Florida Association For Volunteer Resource Management upcoming events

Can We Talk? Getting Comfortable with Uncomfortable Conversations (September 09, 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Webinar Presented by

Karen Pattison
Volunteer Services Manager
Naples Botanical Garden

Every volunteer coordinator eventually faces this challenge. Uncomfortable conversations are a part of our role managing volunteer groups, and while they are necessary, they can also be stressful and emotional for those involved. Learning how to navigate these situations will empower volunteer managers to face these moments with confidence.

We will look at the pre-meeting, during-meeting, and post-meeting steps that will bring clarity and organization to these interactions. Participants will be presented with real-world scenarios that they can use as general guides to practice these conversations. With proper preparation, planning, and knowledge of the tips and tools available to you after this session, you will be able to address these situations respectfully and with confidence.

About Karen Pattison

Karen Pattison has spent the last eight years as the Volunteer Services Manager at Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida, where she manages 200+ volunteers in Horticulture, Conservation, and Education. Along with a degree in psychology, Karen has also spent 25 years working with families and children in a preschool setting as a teacher and program director. When not at the Garden, she can usually be found at home with her husband, her books, and their houseful of rescue animals.

Strengthening your Community and Corporate Partnerships (September 23, 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Webinar Presented by

Brooke Martinez

Volunteer Services Director

Community Cooperative

Are you wanting to grow your volunteer program to expand beyond individual volunteers? Engage more with civic groups and help secure more corporate sponsorship? Do you have trouble getting buy in from fellow colleagues that help create the group experience? Take a deep drive with Community Cooperative's Volunteer services team to see how they have developed their robust group volunteer standard operating procedures and best practices.

About Brooke Martinez

Brooke Martinez is the Director of Volunteer Services at Community Cooperative, overseeing volunteer engagement for hunger-relief programs throughout Lee County, including Meals on Wheels, the Community Market, Mobile Food Pantries, and FLIP. Since joining the organization in 2023, she has helped increase volunteer retention by 51%, improve program coordination, and expand community partnerships. Brooke is passionate about showing how even a few hours of service can make a meaningful difference for individuals and families across Southwest Florida.

The Power of Appreciation: Volunteer Recognition That Makes a Lasting Impact (October 07, 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Webinar Presented by

Karen Connetta

Volunteer Coordinator

Collier County Museums

Volunteers are the heart of every mission, but meaningful recognition doesn't have to come with a high price tag. You will discover practical, creative, and budget-friendly ways to show appreciation that strengthens relationships, increases volunteer satisfaction, and encourages long-term engagement. From personalized thank-you gestures and public recognition to low-cost events and digital appreciation ideas, you'll leave with actionable strategies you can implement right away.

About Karen Connetta

Karen Connetta has been a Volunteer Program Coordinator with the Collier County Museums for over four years and was a Volunteer Supervisor with a local hospice for over 10 years. Karen manages a team of more than 250 volunteers who support five local history museums. Karen has developed a deep appreciation for the compassion and commitment of volunteers and is dedicated to creating meaningful volunteer experiences while supporting community engagement and education, while helping preserve local history and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages. Karen is a dedicated volunteer to her church, loves spending time with family and is thoroughly enjoying being a Grammie to her 9-month-old granddaughter.

Beyond Volunteering: Inspiring Lifelong Supporters (October 21, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Webinar Presented by

Charlotte Nal, Program Manager

Community & Human Services, Collier County

Volunteers already believe in your mission—your job is simply to show them how their impact can grow through giving. By highlighting the tangible outcomes of your programs and celebrating the contributions they already make, you can naturally invite them to take the next step. This presentation will explore practical, relationship-centered strategies for nurturing volunteers into long-term donors who feel genuinely connected to your cause.

About Charlotte Nal

--With more than 16 years of experience in volunteer management, I’ve dedicated my career to empowering individuals to engage meaningfully in their communities. My work has focused on building strong volunteer programs that not only inspire service, but foster deeper, long‑term commitment.”