Discussions - Recent Threads

Join Us! Managing Volunteers and Interns Community Group Meeting

Ashley Rieser — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:54:58 GMT

Come join us for our Managing Volunteers and Interns Community Group meeting on Thursday, March 14 at 1:00 pm EST. In March's meeting we are thrilled to welcome Amelia Webber from Tessitura's support team to answer any questions or thoughts you have about how to utilize Tessitura in managing your volunteers and interns.

Be prepared to come with questions!

Looking forward to seeing you on the call!

VMS Recommendations

Brandi Shawn-Chaparro — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 20:16:24 GMT

Hello fellow volunteer management professionals,

I'm new here and to Tessitura. I am exploring different VMS options for a brand new museum, no current volunteers, and time to choose the right system. I need a system that can both serve as a database, communication and scheduling tool, plus have integrated tools for virtual training (assigning and tracking training progress, essentially an integrated LMS). Is this a mythical beast? Or does anyone have a recommendation of a system that does all this well and looks like it was made in the past 10 years?

What are you using? Are you using multiple systems to manage volunteers? Does your system integrate easily or well with Tessitura?

Looking forward to getting some feedback and meeting you all. Feel free to also to email me or to connect on LinkedIn.

Best wishes,

Brandi Shawn-Chaparro
brandi.shawnchaparro@lucasmuseum.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-shawn-chaparro-53140543/

RE: VMS Recommendations

Amy Culliford — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 21:46:03 GMT

Hi Brandi!

Thanks for reaching out with this question! We use Volunteer Impact as our VMS. We had a volunteer program that has been completely restarted from scratch - I did a lot of research into systems, and attended a few Tessitura volunteer management community meetings at conference, and based on the needs of my org, I settled on Volunteer Impact.

It has a database, can communicate via email or text to volunteers, schedules shifts, has a whole section for training modules. The annual fee is dependent on how many volunteers you sign up, and they provide training on how to use the platform. So far it's been great! The only thing is, as far as I know it doesn't integrate with Tess. Although I believe for an extra fee, you can get them to upload volunteer info you've collected in Tessitura, into their VI database.

Hope this helps!

RE: Gearing Up for the Season - Training Meeting Discussion at VIPPCA today

Meredith Woolard (she/her) — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:51:21 GMT

That's awesome, Ashley Rieser! Thanks for sharing and good luck with the presentation today!

Gearing Up for the Season - Training Meeting Discussion at VIPPCA today

Ashley Rieser — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:36:13 GMT

Greetings All,

I am looking forward to our meeting later this month. If you have the opportunity today, I'll be presenting at the VIPPCA (Volunteer and Intern Professionals in the Performing and Cultural Arts) Meeting today at 1:00 pm EST. The subject is Gearing Up for the Season - Training. We will be continuing the conversation at our next meeting along with discussing details about the TLCC Orlando experience.

Hope to see you on the call!

Topic: VIPPCA Monthly Meeting

Time: Sep 6, 2023 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Every month on the First Wed, until Dec 6, 2023, 4 occurrence(s)

Sep 6, 2023 12:00 PM

Oct 4, 2023 12:00 PM

Nov 1, 2023 12:00 PM

Dec 6, 2023 12:00 PM

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Monthly: https://mnorch-org.zoom.us/meeting/tJAtdO2vrzksGNy0acdkEpKARQtBsIbm-K4m/ics?icsToken=98tyKuCsrjguHdWXthuPRowIAojCLO3zmHpdjY1EzB7mByt2cijXBNNWEKFWEtWd

Join Zoom Meeting

https://mnorch-org.zoom.us/j/94034712628?pwd=TVBkdnc2TWxCNUsyQW5mdjJQV1I3QT09

Meeting ID: 940 3471 2628

Passcode: 833162

---

One tap mobile

+13092053325,,94034712628#,,,,*833162# US

+13126266799,,94034712628#,,,,*833162# US (Chicago)

---

Dial by your location

+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

The Volunteer and Intern Discussions Continue at TLCC Orlando!

Ashley Rieser — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 22:20:35 GMT

Greetings,

It was another great day here at TLCC Orlando for discussions on volunteers and interns. Nicole Smith created a community discussion focusing on turning volunteers into individual giving donors. She also highly recommended the book Wonder Drug by Stephen Trzeciak and Anthony Mazzarelli. Here is the link to the book for those interested - Wonder Drug

Here are the notes from the session as well for your reference

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn - Nicole Smith on LinkedIn

or me! - Ashley on LinkedIn

In addition to the session Krista Layfield has set up as a Community Discussion on Wednesday morning at 9:00 am, Nicole has added another Community Discussion for tomorrow, Wednesday at 10:15 am on Corporate Volunteering and Programs. Check out the details in the conference app.

Hope to see you at both!

RE: The Volunteer and Intern Discussions Continue at TLCC Orlando!

Elizabeth Ross — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:31:41 GMT

Thanks so much for sharing!

Join Us for a Community Discussion at TLCC Orlando

Ashley Rieser — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:35:41 GMT

Greetings,

For those of you at TLCC Orlando, Krista Layfield has set up a Community Discussion on Wednesday morning at 9:00 am to continue the conversation. Check out the details in the conference app.

Hope to see you there!

Hello from TLCC Orlando!

Ashley Rieser — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 17:30:30 GMT

Greetings All!

It was wonderful to see so many people attending the Managing Volunteers and Interns Lunch. Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to say "Hi" to everyone, but I have tried to reach through the conference app to extend an invite to the group which I hope those attending received.

We had a lively discussion at my table, and I wanted to share some of the information Nicole and I mentioned.

1. If you missed our last meeting in July, Wanda Kanwisher provided a fantastic presentation on Annual Reporting. Here is a link to the annual report template she shared - /cfs-file/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/479/Volunteer-Services-Annual-Report--Template.docx

In addition to being with the Minnesota Orchestra, she also oversees the Volunteer and Internship Professionals in the Performance and Cultural Arts (VIPPC) group we mentioned during the meeting and Nicole brought up at lunch today. Their next meeting is Wednesday, September 6 at noon CST

As we mentioned during the meeting, we will be joining forces to bring you wonderful and exciting content that is different yet connected in both groups.

The zoom link for all VIPPCA meetings is here

Invite Link https://mnorch-org.zoom.us/j/94034712628?pwd=TVBkdnc2TWxCNUsyQW5mdjJQV1I3QT09

As Wanda is a member of the Tessitura community be sure to look her up!

2. Another great resource with a multitude of training webinars, mentor opportunities, networking and so very much more is AL!VE The Association for Leaders in Volunteer Engagement. As Nicole mentioned she and I have been members of AL!VE for a long time and can't say enough about this amazing organization. Here's the link to their website - Home - Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (volunteeralive.org)

For those of you who were at other tables during the lunch or have topics you'd like to discuss I highly encourage you to share them on the discussion board and please look forward to our next meeting!

Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow for the Managing Volunteers and Interns Community Group Meeting

Ashley Rieser — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 21:13:33 GMT

Greetings!

I'm looking forward to seeing you all at the Managing Volunteers and Interns Community Group Meeting tomorrow, Thursday, July 27 at 11:00 am EST. I'm thrilled to announce that the wonderful Wanda Kanwisher from the Minnesota Orchestra will be joining us to talk about Annual Reporting. This exciting program will give you insight into why annual reporting for your program is so valuable, what to include, and who to share it with. Whether you have never done an annual report, or you're experienced in them, there is something for everyone.

If we have additional time, we'll talk about gearing up for the season with various training topics and program planning.

And let us know if you're going to TLCC in Orlando. I'll be there and look forward to networking with everyone Monday over lunch. I'll share more details during our meeting tomorrow!

Hope to see you at the session!

Tomorrow, Thursday, March 23 Managing Volunteers & Interns Tessitura Community Group Meeting

Ashley Rieser — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:55:06 GMT

Greetings Everyone!

I apologize for not having been active in our group over the last few weeks as I was battling an illness. I'm all recovered now and looking forward to our meeting tomorrow! As a reminder, it's from

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada). Be sure to reserve your spot through the Event calendar so we can look forward to seeing you there!

What's on Tap

Our Agenda tomorrow will focus on the upcoming Volunteer Appreciation Week which is April 16 - 22.

1. Ideas for any budget (or no budget at all!)

2. Ways to recognize volunteers based on their preferred recognition method (some volunteers prefer tangible items, some prefer no recognition at all - how do you sure your thanks to everyone when they all have a different preference)

3. Resources - where can you get to get even more ideas and materials.

4. Networking - share your success stories, challenges and ideas

Hope you can attend to join in the conversation!

In case you missed it! A recap with resources from our January Meeting

Ashley Rieser — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 18:29:33 GMT

We had a wonderful Managing Volunteers and Interns Community Group meeting yesterday. Eight of us joined in conversation about volunteer platforms, chatted about our programs, and issues we were looking to explore. Special thanks to Michelle Stewart and Kaylee Clark for sharing their insights into using Tessitura as a volunteer program platform!

In addition to using Tessitura for volunteer tracking, some other platforms were mentioned in the meeting. These included:

Free - Volunteersignup.org and BetterUnite - Fundraising and Donor Management Platform

Better Impact - Better Impact Volunteer Management Software Donor Management Software

Volgistics - Volunteer Management Software Solutions | Volgistics

The topics that were mentioned are included below with some links to useful resources.

Volunteer Funding

The Leighty Foundation

This organization has put together a wonderful Case for Support that they provide to volunteer administrators to work with their development teams on finding new ways to tap into funding for volunteer initiatives. Highly recommended!

Home - The Leighty Foundation

Volunteer Engagement

Free Webinar offered by Volunteer Match – Developing a Strategic Plan for Volunteer Engagement Thursday, February 16 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST

Registration (gotowebinar.com)

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention

Free Webinar offered by Volunteer Strategies – Recruit and Rebuild Your Volunteer Base

Thursday, March 9 2:00 PM EST

Meeting Registration - Zoom

Organizational Buy-In

Free Webinar offered by Volunteer Match – Build Staff Buy-In for Volunteer Engagement Wednesday, February 15 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST
Registration (gotowebinar.com)

Other topics we discussed included; Young Volunteer Outreach and Program Design, Using Tessitura for Paid Internship Programs, and Volunteer Promotions.

Stay tuned for more resources and insights. I encourage everyone to share their suggestions, questions, and more on the board to get the conversation rolling.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 23 at 11:00 AM EST. Reserve your spot today!

(8) Managing Volunteers & Interns Tessitura Community Meeting - Events - Managing Volunteers & Interns Tessitura Community - Tessitura Network

RE: In case you missed it! A recap with resources from our January Meeting

Ashley Rieser — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 19:42:25 GMT

Thanks for all of your great advice during the call! Michelle Stewart Kaylee Clark

RE: Welcome to the New Year! Registration Open Now for our next community group meeting

Ashley Rieser — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 18:03:49 GMT

Here is the agenda for the meeting

Theme: A New Year A New Approach

As 2023 begins, this is a wonderful time to conduct program assessments and pivot to adjust accordingly to take on new challenges. With the effect of COVID on our industries, the landscape of volunteer and intern management has seen some changes. We’ll discuss these changes and look at how we can address new challenges while creating new opportunities to expand reach and utilize new resources

Introductions
Changes to volunteer and intern makeup since COVID
Facing new challenges
Beyond traditional approaches
Support, Resources, and Information Sharing

Welcome to the New Year! Registration Open Now for our next community group meeting

Ashley Rieser — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:05:38 GMT

Greetings all!

Registration is now open for our first community group meeting of the year on January 26, 2023 04:00 PM to 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada). Sign up through the event calendar. I'll be posting an agenda soon. If there are any specific topics you'd like to discuss with the group, please share in the feed and we'll include it in the agenda.

I look forward to seeing all of you soon!

RE: Welcome to the New Year! Registration Open Now for our next community group meeting

Meredith Woolard (she/her) — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:29:06 GMT

Wonderful! Thanks for organizing, Ashley Rieser! Here is the RSVP link for those who are interested in attending: https://community.tessituranetwork.com/topical_groups/managing-volunteers-interns/c/e/1167

RE: Ashley Rieser featured in the VolunteerPro member spotlight!

Ashley Rieser — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 14:56:01 GMT

Thank you so much!

Ashley Rieser featured in the VolunteerPro member spotlight!

Meredith Woolard (she/her) — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 18:12:49 GMT

Look who it is! The talented [mention:a1fa0708e9f3430e99c5610b0beb08c4:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05], Community Chair for the Managing Volunteers & Interns Tessitura Community, is featured in this recent member spotlight with VolunteerPro: https://volpro.net/designing-extraordinary-guest-experience/

Check it out and learn how Ashley supports her volunteers and creates magical moments for guests at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Benedum Center! Congrats, Ashley!

RE: Ashley Rieser featured in the VolunteerPro member spotlight!

Elizabeth Ross — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 21:42:28 GMT

Congratulations, Ashley!

RE: Managing Volunteer Worked Hours in Tessitura

Elizabeth Ross — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:04:37 GMT

Hi Sara,

I'm not sure if there is a way to do that in Tessitura, but I know a couple of us discussed different volunteer management programs during our last group Zoom meeting. I personally use InitLive to manage and track my volunteer data, and other people mentioned Better Impact, Volgistics, and Galaxy Digital. That might be something worth looking into, especially if you have a large number of volunteers working for you.

Hope that helps a little!

Best,

Elizabeth

Managing Volunteer Worked Hours in Tessitura

Sara Funk — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 17:27:34 GMT

Hi gang,

Bringing this post over from the Ticketing and CS Forum.

Does anyone track volunteer working hours in Tess? If so, how? I'm trying to convert some functionality to be able to do it. Perhaps just a Research Note with type = Volunteer Note/Tracker, but that takes away much of the automation of adding hours worked from week to week.

We offer ticket vouchers after a certain number of hours worked, and right now our manager spends hours adding up these hours, and I'm looking for a way to make Tessitura the database they use to organize, rather than a spreadsheet.

Any tips?

Much appreciated,

Sara.

Happy International Volunteer Managers Day November 5!

Ashley Rieser — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 14:25:41 GMT

Greetings All,

Just a reminder that tomorrow, November 5 is International Volunteer Managers Day. I hope you have a chance to celebrate YOU this weekend and the tremendous work you do as a Volunteer Administrator.

RE: Happy International Volunteer Managers Day November 5!

Ashley Rieser — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 14:35:40 GMT

I love this Bobbi! Thank you so much for sharing!

RE: Happy International Volunteer Managers Day November 5!

Bobbi Kay — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 14:32:15 GMT

Shout out to all the volunteer managers who make it happen!

This section in the mission/values really speaks to the impact you all have:

Volunteer Managers change lives — both the lives of volunteers themselves and of those served by well-led volunteers. It is a life-changing profession. Volunteer managers provide the leadership and direction that allows people to build a good and just society and to mend the social fabric. Without professional leadership, people’s time, talents and efforts could be wasted.

Next Meeting: Thursday December 1 1:00 pm EST

Ashley Rieser — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:57:02 GMT

Greetings,

You are all cordially invited to attend the next meeting for the Managing Volunteers & Interns Tessitura Community. An agenda will follow shortly, but the meeting is guaranteed to be full of festive cheer! Sign up to attend under on the Events Calendar. I hope to see you there!

Discussions - Recent Threads

Join Us! Managing Volunteers and Interns Community Group Meeting

VMS Recommendations

RE: VMS Recommendations

RE: Gearing Up for the Season - Training Meeting Discussion at VIPPCA today

Gearing Up for the Season - Training Meeting Discussion at VIPPCA today

The Volunteer and Intern Discussions Continue at TLCC Orlando!

RE: The Volunteer and Intern Discussions Continue at TLCC Orlando!

Join Us for a Community Discussion at TLCC Orlando

Hello from TLCC Orlando!

Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow for the Managing Volunteers and Interns Community Group Meeting

Tomorrow, Thursday, March 23 Managing Volunteers & Interns Tessitura Community Group Meeting

In case you missed it! A recap with resources from our January Meeting

RE: In case you missed it! A recap with resources from our January Meeting

RE: Welcome to the New Year! Registration Open Now for our next community group meeting

Welcome to the New Year! Registration Open Now for our next community group meeting

RE: Welcome to the New Year! Registration Open Now for our next community group meeting

RE: Ashley Rieser featured in the VolunteerPro member spotlight!

Ashley Rieser featured in the VolunteerPro member spotlight!

RE: Ashley Rieser featured in the VolunteerPro member spotlight!

RE: Managing Volunteer Worked Hours in Tessitura

Managing Volunteer Worked Hours in Tessitura

Happy International Volunteer Managers Day November 5!

RE: Happy International Volunteer Managers Day November 5!

RE: Happy International Volunteer Managers Day November 5!

Next Meeting: Thursday December 1 1:00 pm EST

Managing Volunteers & Interns Tessitura Community Meeting

When

Where