Greater Richmond Association for Volunteer Administration

January 3, 2019
8:30-10:30am
Westminster Canterbury
1600 Westbrook Ave
Richmond, VA 23227

Presenter: Panel led by Kate Bausman

Many of the challenges we face in society and attempt to address in our roles as community members, community service professionals, and policy makers are deeply intertwined with other factors. For example, our access to education impacts our economic stability, which can impact our access to healthy foods, safe housing, and healthcare.

Collective Impact recognizes the connection between different areas of life and understands that a multi-sectoral approach with shared leadership between community members and service providers is needed to address the larger underlying context that lays the foundation for thriving communities and neighbors. Through utilizing the Collective Impact model, resident voices are utilized in decision making, organizations are better able to collaborate, and resources are more effectively utilized. Join us for a panel discussion on Collective Impact initiatives in the Richmond Area.

The presenter for our November “Self-Care” program was Suzanne Vinson of Silver Tree Art. Suzanne is a wife, mother, chaplain/minister, author and artist. She encouraged us to close our eyes and breathe as she read an essay, Breathe In, Breathe Out from My Grandfather’s Blessings by Rachel Remen, M.D. Then a poem from her own book, Broken Wide Whole, was read aloud by several members of our group, as we sat in the light dimmed room.

We then were given several choices of small art projects to work on. A popular one was coloring matchsticks from matchbooks with Suzanne’s designs on them, and think about the ways in which we “light up” the world in our roles as volunteer managers.

Suzanne brought buttons, matchboxes, and cards with her whimsical watercolor designs and sayings for members to take home with them, as well as their own handiwork.

St. Joseph’s Villa hosted our event. Members learned a lot about St. Joseph’s Villa, their campus and mission. Tours were offered after the program by Kathy Perun.

November 1, 2018
8:30-10:30am
St. Joseph’s Villa
8000 Brook Rd
Richmond, VA 23227

Presenter: Suzanne Vinson, Silver Tree Art

November is “self-care” month at GRAVA! Our presenter is artist/owner, Suzanne Vinson of Silver Tree Art. Silver Tree Art specializes in soul-care art and retreats that gather folks ’round the table. Our workshop will be a combination of mindfulness practice, artistic creativity, and energy renewal infused with ritual, art, and conversation. Participants will consciously infuse their work with head, heart, and hands, mindfully present to the day.

St. Joseph’s Villa at 8000 Brook Rd, Richmond, VA 23227, will host our November event, in the boardroom of The Administration Building. Parking is available in front. We will meet on November 1, from 8:30 am – 10:30 am. Breakfast will be provided.

October 4, 2018
8:30-10:30am
The Women’s Club of Virginia
211 E Franklin St
Richmond, VA 23219

Directions & Parking: The house is located between 2nd and 3rd Streets.  Parking is available in their lot located at the corner of Franklin and 3rd Street in the TWC area.

Presenter: Whitney Guthrie, Director of Community Engagement at Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity

Join us October 4th for a Round Table discussion on “Policies and Procedures “. If your organization has no written Policy & Procedure manual this is a great time to get ideas for creating one. If you feel your existing Policy and Procedure manual could use some updating, bring it for suggestions. Or, if you feel your organization already has a great Policy & Procedure manual, bring it to share ideas and inspiration.

We will meet at The Women’s Club of Virginia (TWC) located at 211 E. Franklin Street. The house is located between 2nd and 3rd Streets. Parking is available in their lot located at the corner of Franklin and 3rd Street in the TWC area. We meet from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. Breakfast will be served.

September 6, 2018
8:30-10:30am
Virginia War Memorial
621 South Belvidere Street
Richmond, VA 23220

Directions & Parking: If arriving from the North, from Belvidere St. take the last LEFT before the Lee Bridge. If arriving from the South, take the first RIGHT just after crossing the Lee Bridge. There are about 10 spaces at the museum for use, and some on Spring Street. Street parking is also available on Oregon Hill just across Belvidere. (2nd St. is closed for construction)

Presenter: Katie Campbell, CVA

“Saying NO — Without Reserve or Regret”

Many of us are naturally inclined to say YES with a “can-do” spirit. As leaders and managers we want to demonstrate our positive attitude and avoid disappointing others.  So when we find ourselves in a situation where our gut tells us to say NO, we struggle with getting the word out. This session will explore legitimate reasons to say NO, why we find it difficult, and how to do it effectively. Leave with some practical tactics to strengthen this skill – in both your professional and personal life.

June 7, 2018
8:30-10:30am
Goochland Cares
3001 River Road West
Goochland, VA 23063.

Parking: Parking is available in front of the building. This is the “old” address. The “new” address does not work in GPS. It is the same location!

Presenter: GRAVA Board

Volunteers allow your organization to do more work. They often lessen the burden on your paid staff. Volunteer recruitment also raises the awareness of your organization. We’ll expand on the workshop from May on ways to recruit volunteers, keep them engaged, and increase your retention rates. We will talk about unlikely places to obtain volunteers and ways to engage and keep them motivated. Participants are encouraged to come with their own ideas to share as well.