The HSU Volunteer Management Certificate is comprised of 5 online courses ranging from recruiting volunteers to managing challenging volunteers.  Participants will learn how to develop a new volunteer program or improve an existing one.  Courses are developed and led by experienced instructors.  Learn from course participants and instructors about the experience of animal care organizations across the nation and perhaps around the world.

Each course lasts 4 weeks. Expect to spend at least 2-4 hours per week reading materials, completing assignments, and discussing issues.  There are no scheduled lecture times; instead, you log on at your convenience to participate in weekly discussions and complete assignments. 

Complete a minimum of 4 courses and earn a Volunteer Management Certificate.

Course 1: Implementing a Successful Volunteer Program

This course will introduce students to volunteer management best practices.  Participants will be part of a small group of animal advocates who together will review Volunteer Management for Animal Care Organizations for effective program design, recruitment, volunteer retention, and much more. 

Course 2: Training Volunteers and Training Staff to Work with Volunteers 

This course is designed to be relevant for coordinators with established programs as well as those in the process of creating new ones. If possible, students will benefit by using their own agency as a learning laboratory.  The course includes readings from relevant texts and volunteer management resources online as well as course activities and assignments intended to promote assessment and growth with the students’ own organizations.

Course 3: Volunteer Recruitment and Screening

Participants will learn how to maintain volunteer enthusiasm, recruit and keep volunteers for the “right “position, and hopefully, prevent the revolving door of volunteers.  Topics will also include talent scout/HR approach, validating volunteer commitment, and recruiting corporate volunteers.

Course 4: Managing Challenging Volunteers and Resolving Problems

Instructor: Maggie Huff

This course will benefit those who want to reduce problems and increase the contribution of volunteers in their organization.  Participants will learn strategies to address problems with minimum conflict, support the long-term commitment from volunteers, and encourage exceptional contributions from volunteers.

Course 5: Tools and Techniques to Streamline Volunteer Programs

Instructor: Megan Webb

This course will provide participants with a wide range of tools and technologies to use to more effectively and efficiently manage their volunteer program.   Students will be encouraged to evaluate their current management methods and to experiment with new ones.   By the end of the course, each student will have an individualized action plan for how they will enhance their volunteer program while making their work load more manageable.

You can enroll online at www.hsuonline.org, email hsu@hsus.org, or call Frances Gaeta at 301-548-7731.