VSys Voices Valuable Advice for Volunteer Managers
Todd McMullin

Todd McMullin finished his degree in Non-profit Business Administration in 1993 and embarked on a journey to improve the world. Within 3 years he had founded a United Way chapter, a Volunteer Center, and a software company focused on volunteer recruiting & management.

Following 9/11 he founded the Disaster Help Network (DHN) which ultimately provided volunteer systems and consulting that covered 35% of the US population, including metro Dallas, Phoenix, Tucson, and over 100 chapters of the Medical Reserve Corps and Citizen Corps. DHN was the official response system for Florida and Alabama during the '04 hurricanes.

Todd has designed, deployed or supported volunteer engagement systems for the Smithsonian Institution, USO, Disney Worldwide Services, multiple state governments and hundreds of schools, NGO's and shelters.

In 2007 he co-founded the Association for Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE) and in 2017 helped organize the National Alliance for Volunteer Engagement. He has become an outspoken advocate for peer-to-peer engagements that are self-assessed and networked so that communities can grow organically from within. Todd brings experience with multiple volunteer management software solutions and an overall vision for the future of volunteerism to the Voices.

Roseanna Galindo

Roseanna Galindo, ECBA, CAVS, is a business analyst with 30+ years of experience in leadership in volunteerism, both in practice and in research. Her work, the "Development of the Volunteer Satisfaction Index (VSI): Construct Definition, Measurement, and Validity", was published in the Journal of Social Service Research. The VSI has been used worldwide by both scholars and professionals pursuing a deeper understanding of the volunteer experience.

Roseanna has administered volunteer programs in a variety of nonprofit industries. In her previous role as Director of Volunteer Services at Enloe Medical Center she was a patient experience leader who worked to establish the value of volunteer impact. She is also a VSys One superuser!

Roseanna was recently awarded a course certificate in Data Analytic Science through California State University, Chico and received an ECBA credential through the International Institute of Business Analysis. Roseanna earned her master's degree in organizational communication from CSU, Chico where she has been an intermittent faculty member for over 25 years.

Currently, Roseanna works with organizations to empower decision makers to better communicate with data. She is Principal at Periscope BPA and provides training in communicating with data through storytelling. She is a champion of data literacy, the human experience in healthcare, and volunteer leaders everywhere. Check out her blog at https://www.periscopebpa.com/blog-insighter.

Karina Vargas

Karina Vargas, CAVS, CompTIA Project+ has over 20 years of experience in volunteer management in a variety of settings, she is no stranger to the world of giving and serving. She has experience at all levels of volunteering, ranging from working with Board-level professional volunteers to high school students wanting to get exposure to potential career paths. She spent over ten years managing volunteers for a large children's hospital in Southern California where she developed volunteer leadership programs, presented interactive customer service trainings, and provided expert-level technical and leadership support to their volunteer program. She worked closely with the VSys team to optimize her organization's use of VSys One, and her suggestions led to several improvements of VSys One software.

Karina is a Certified Administrator of Volunteer Services (CAVS) and holds a bachelor's degree in Human Services from California State University, Fullerton. In Fall 2021, after completing a certification in project management, she joined VSys One as a Solutions Architect. In this role she merges her healthcare volunteer management experience, her technical abilities, and her love for helping people and programs grow.

Dana Litwin

Dana Litwin, CVA is a transformational coach, strategic advisor, and public speaker with a background in team building, environmental conservation and sustainability. She is known for her Priceless Advice series with tips for Volunteer Leaders.

Since 2002, Dana has guided organizations in the Bay Area, Silicon Valley, and nationwide to produce breakthrough volunteer and community engagement programs, as well as board and advisory committee development. She served for over eight years as the Volunteer Programs Administrator of the Open Space Authority of Santa Clara Valley, where she produced large scale public events, redesigned volunteer/outreach program policies and procedures, trained volunteers and staff, build partnerships and relationships to further volunteer opportunities and fundraise, and represented the organization at public events and conferences.

Drawing upon 20+ years in improv theater, Dana delivers innovative, humorous and engaging keynote addresses and seminars, in addition to customized training, educational materials and multimedia presentations. Ms. Litwin has a BA in Music and Jazz Studies from Sonoma State University. She is a Certified in Volunteer Administration by the by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (www.ccva.org) and is an active leader of many professional associations including AL!VE (Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement) where she served as the President of the Board of Directors and the National Alliance for Volunteer Engagement where she serves as a Facilitator.

From Dana's Priceless Advice Channel

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  • KPIs Made Simple: Linking Goals to Actionable Results
03/19/2025 VoicesEverybody 2025 KPIs Made Simple: Linking Goals to Actionable Results Download video Handout (PDF)
  • Cultural Competency: Working Better Together
02/20/2025 VoicesEverybody 2025 Cultural Competency: Working Better Together Download video Handout (PDF)
  • Difficult Conversations
01/16/2025 VoicesEverybody 2025 Difficult Conversations Download video Handout (PDF) Sample Policy
  • Strategic Planning for Volunteer Managers
11/14/2024 VoicesEverybody 2024 Documenting Your Onboarding Process Download video Handout (PDF)
  • Documenting Your Onboarding Process
10/17/2024 VoicesEverybody 2024 Documenting Your Onboarding Process Download video Handout (PDF)
  • Planning for Emergencies, With MD Anderson Cancer Center
09/19/2024 VoicesEverybody 2024 Planning for Emergencies, With MD Anderson Cancer Center Download video Case study
  • Transform Your Data Visualization into a Data Story
08/15/2024 VoicesEverybody 2024 Transform Your Data Visualization into a Data Story Download video Handout (PDF)
  • Fundamentals of Collecting Data for Impactful Storytelling
07/17/2024 VoicesEverybody 2024 Fundamentals of Collecting Data for Impactful Storytelling Download video Handout (PDF) Assessment tool (sample) Assessment tool (blank)
  • Building a JEDI (Just, Equitable, Diverse & Inclusive) Volunteer Work Force
05/16/2024 VoicesEverybody 2024 Building a JEDI (Just, Equitable, Diverse & Inclusive) Volunteer Download video Handout (PDF)
  • Key Learnings from Recent Conferences
04/24/2024 VoicesEverybody 2024 Key Learnings from Recent Conferences Download video
  • VSys Voices: Happy Volunteers = Retention. Keeping Volunteers Engaged
03/06/2024 VoicesEverybody 2024 VSys Voices: Happy Volunteers = Retention. Keeping Volunteers Engaged Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Practical Tips and Tools for Your Next Recruiting Campaign
02/15/2024 VoicesEverybody 2024 VSys Voices: Practical Tips and Tools for Your Next Recruiting Campaign Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Future Trends and How to Apply Them
01/18/2024 VoicesEverybody 2024 VSys Voices: Future Trends and How to Apply Them Download video Handout (PDF) Resources handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Standard Operationg Procedures: Nuts & Bolts
11/08/2023 VoicesEverybody 2023 VSys Voices: Standard Operationg Procedures: Nuts & Bolts Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Recruiting from First Contact to First Shift
10/19/2023 VoicesEverybody 2023 VSys Voices: Recruiting from First Contact to First Shift Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Survey Measurement & The Volunteer Satisfaction Index (VSI)
09/28/2023 VoicesEverybody 2023 VSys Voices: Survey Measurement & The Volunteer Satisfaction Index (VSI) Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Conducting Performance Evaluations for Volunteers
07/20/2023 VoicesEverybody 2023 VSys Voices: Conducting Performance Evaluations for Volunteers Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Data Storytelling Essentials for Volunteer Leaders
06/07/2023 VoicesEverybody 2023 VSys Voices: Data Storytelling Essentials for Volunteer Leaders Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Healing Beats Program Overview
05/01/2023 VoicesEverybody 2023 Spring Cleaning Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Professional Development for Volunteers and Their Managers
03/16/2023 VoicesEverybody 2023 Spring Cleaning Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Considering Online Training for Volunteers
Guest Speaker Paul Falkowlski, PhD 02/16/2023 VoicesEverybody 2023 VSys Voices: Considering Online Training for Volunteers Download video Handout (PDF) HIPAA/PHI chart
  • VSys Voices: The Value of Volunteer Recognition for Morale
01/19/2023 VoicesEverybody 2023 VSys Voices: The Value of Volunteer Recognition for Morale Download video Handout (PDF) Presentation (PowerPoint)
  • VSys Voices: Creating Volunteer Descriptions with Strong Foundations
11/17/2022 VoicesEverybody 2022 VSys Voices: Creating Volunteer Descriptions with Strong Foundations Download video Handout (PDF) Template (Word)
  • VSys Voices: "GAME ON!" Playing for Keeps with Volunteers
10/20/2022 VoicesEverybody 2022 VSys Voices: "GAME ON!" Playing for Keeps with Volunteers Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: How to Hire a Volunteer Manager
09/21/2022 VoicesEverybody 2022 VSys Voices: How to Hire a Volunteer Manager Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: How Boston Medical Center's Volunteer Team Uses Metrics
07/13/2022 VoicesEverybody 2022 VSys Voices: How Boston Medical Center's Volunteer Team Uses Metrics Download video Handout (PDF) Sample reports (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Integrating Metrics and Patient Experience
05/19/2022 VoicesEverybody 2022 VSys Voices: Integrating Metrics and Patient Experience Download video Worksheet Worksheet (sample)
  • VSys Voices: Metrics and Data Storytelling: Using the Number and Words that Matter
04/13/2022 VoicesEverybody 2022 VSys Voices: Metrics and Data Storytelling: Using the Number and Words that Matter Download video Worksheet Worksheet (sample)
  • VSys Voices: Recruitment: Problem-Solving Panel Discussion
03/11/2022 VoicesEverybody 2022 VSys Voices: Recruitment: Problem-Solving Panel Discussion Download video Worksheet Worksheet (sample)
  • VSys Voices: Collaborating to Build a Relevant Volunteer Program
02/17/2022 VoicesEverybody 2022 VSys Voices: Collaborating to Build a Relevant Volunteer Program Download video Handout (PDF) Worksheet (Excel template)
  • VSys Voices: Social Determinants of Health: What Are They, Why Do They Matter, What Can We Do?
01/21/2022 VoicesEverybody 2022 VSys Voices: Social Determinants of Health: What Are They, Why Do They Matter, What Can We Do? Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Using HCAHPS Surveys to Prove Volunteer Value
10/13/2021 VoicesEverybody 2021 VSys Voices: Using HCAHPS Surveys to Prove Volunteer Value Download video Handout (PDF) Worksheet (Excel)
  • VSys Voices: Rethinking how we train volunteers with Dr. Paul Falkowski
Guest Speaker Paul Falkowlski, PhD 09/16/2021 VoicesEverybody 2021 VSys Voices: Rethinking how we train volunteers with Dr. Paul Falkowski Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Recruiting New Way or the Highway
08/23/2021 VoicesEverybody 2021 VSys Voices: Recruiting New Way or the Highway Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: One Year Anniversary/Review of past topics
06/09/2021 VoicesEverybody 2021 VSys Voices: One Year Anniversary/Review of past topics Download video
VSys Voices: Re-engaging Volunteers Post-COVID 05/12/2021 VoicesEverybody 2021 VSys Voices: Re-engaging Volunteers Post-COVID Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Client Testimonials
04/01/2021 VoicesEverybody 2021 VSys Voices: Client Testimonials Download video
  • VSys Voices: ROI
03/10/2021 VoicesEverybody 2021 VSys Voices: ROI Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Volunteers and Vaccination Clinics
02/18/2021 VoicesEverybody 2021 VSys Voices: Volunteers and Vaccination Clinics Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Practical Advice On Volunteer Recognition: What, Why and How in 2021?
01/21/2021 VoicesEverybody 2021 VSys Voices: Practical Advice On Volunteer Recognition: What, Why and How in 2021? Download video Handout (PDF)
  • VSys Voices: Emergency Volunteering
11/15/2020 VoicesEverybody 2020 VSys Voices: Emergency Volunteering Download video
  • VSys Voices: Managing Up
10/14/2020 VoicesEverybody 2020 VSys Voices: Managing Up Download video
  • VSys Voices: Virtual Volunteering
09/23/2020 VoicesEverybody 2020 VSys Voices: Virtual Volunteering Download video
Resources for Digital Care Circles

Digital Care Circles: The Future in Volunteering?

A chance encounter with volunteering legend Susan J. Ellis in a New York City hotel lobby during the 1997 Points of Light conference sets the stage for the start of this three-part series on Digital Care Circles: The Future in Volunteering?

In this feature series, author Todd McMullin with Dana Litwin and Joan Cardellino first explain the concept of Digital Care Circles and why they go beyond peer-to-peer engagement by helping volunteers create and manage their own care circles of peers around the people, causes, topics and communities they care about. Later in the series, additional articles by McMullin, Litwin and Cardellino will expand on socialized outcome measuring, the science behind modern trends, meta-governance, the national platform concept and how to do all of this while harnessing, focusing, measuring and managing collectively and collaboratively.

The authors promise a deeper dive into ways we can all work together to bring these new ideas to fruition. And they suggest some pathways forward for Volunteer Engagement Leaders to consider as we transition programs to a new way of thinking.

Download the PDF article here, or you can read this article in its entirety on the Engage website.

Transforming To Digital Care Circles

Global Giving Platform Introduction

New tools for Measurement