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Volume II, Issue 1, October 2001

Beyond Competencies


Feature Articles
By Sarah Jane Rehnborg

In the mid-1970s, the Association for Volunteer Administration embarked on a revision of its professional credentialing program. AVA selected a performance-based system, based on a core group of competencies deemed essential for the effective administration of volunteer programs. At the recent international conference in Toronto, Canada, Sarah Jane Rehnborg - the system developer - offered her reflections on the competency-based credentialing format. This article is based on her presentation, which includes an important call to recognize that "our work is steeped in purpose and energized by passion."

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Comments

From the Author

January 14th, 2002, 7:40pm

I would like to thank those of you who took the time to comment on my comments! It is helpful to gather your feedback. I do want to share with Tom, that I am a proponent of credentials -- I've spent a fair amount of time gathering my own, but I am weary of our efforts to continue to refine competencies when perhaps the real issue with the AVA credential was more about process than substance. In any event, one rationale for credentials has to do with defining ourselves so that others, who know less about us, don't believe that it is there prerogative to do so for us. Also, I do believe that most employers want to know that you are doing the best you can do to be the best at what you do. A professional credential demonstrates your commitment to your profession, and your occupation. This said, however, I remain committed to my comments in the journal. It is time that we look to broader horizons and think about why we do what we do, not just how we go about doing it.

Jeanne H. Bradner, Jeanne Bradner & Associates, President, Winnetka IL USA

December 21st, 2001, 7:40pm

Right on, Sarah Jane. I am fond of saying (ad nauseum probably) that we spend too much time talking about "how tos" and not enough about "why".

Tom Rinkoski, Diocese of Green Bay, Director of Volunteer Services, Green Bay WI USA

December 1st, 2001, 7:39pm

I share that the dream that we need to engage in an indepth and meaningful conversation about volunteer management. I love good conversation. A good cup of cappucino or glass of wine is helpful. However, aiming this discussion only at national certification standards reduces its meaningfulness for me. In the end, I am unsure what my national certification will mean to my employer, or the many other non-profit associations who hire us. Will it mean greater job stability? Will it equal better pay? I fear not. I do beleive like the author each of us is where we are at because of a deeper and wider vision. We could all benefit from sharing that. I remain unsure what good we accomplish,a t this point in history, by selling out our conversations and dreams to national certification. I want to be converted, please.

Lisa Coble, Newport Hospital, Manager of Volunteer Services, Newport RI USA

December 1st, 2001, 7:38pm

Bravo, excellent writing by Sarah Jane Rehnborg. I was pleased to see Ms. Rehnborg articulate how much the "meaningfulness" of our work continues to be the motivator. The Sept. 11 attack on America has made many take inventory on how they live and what role they play in contributing to the betterment of society. It is time to be more introspective about how we lead our lives and what role our work takes in "making a difference".

I, for one, feel priviledged to be employed in an arena that promulgates what's good in people and makes things happen that may other wise not have....were we not doing our jobs!