Volunteer Resource Center of Hawaii fosters the spirit and professional growth of volunteerism and community building through service.

community service

Often people want to extend regard to those in need and build into their communities they aren’t equipped or prepared to join the effort. VRCH solves that dilemma through various education and training endeavors available for the community at-large.

CERTIFICATE IN VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT
(CVM-Hawaii)
VRCH offers certification in Volunteer Management for those who wish to build their knowledge and skills in the growing field of volunteerism. CVM-Hawaii is offered in collaboration with Windward Community College, the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Social Work, and the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources–Family and Community Leadership. Currently plans are being under way for an international networking and training seminar. CVM-Hawaii is supported by the Shinnyo-En Foundation and the Na Lei Aloha Foundation. For more information, please contact VRCH.

More CVM-Hawaii information and registration information.

Read comments from some of our certified volunteers to get an insider's perspective on completing the CVM-Hawaii certification.

"The CVM-Hawaii program inspired, educated and excited me. I am now ready to tackle the challenges of creating a volunteer program that will be a vibrant component of Catholic Charities Hawaii’s service to the community. The best part is that I know I have a network of colleagues ready and willing to offer their help and experience." Rona Yagi Fukumoto, MPA CATHOLIC CHARITIES HAWAII Director of Intake, Information and Referral (CVM-Hawaii 2006-2007) _______________________________ "Being a part of the CVM class inspired me to do more for our volunteers. Meeting other volunteer coordinators working in non-profits provided me with a network that will help me in my professional and personal life. The teachers and other students in the CVM class are outstanding - real experts on volunteers here in Hawaii." Elizabeth Stanton-Barrera Program Director Japan-America Society of Hawaii (CVM-Hawaii 2006-2007) _______________________________ "The thing I liked most about CVM was the opportunity to meet, enjoy, come to know, and become friends with some of the most caring, loving, pro-active people in Hawaii. This includes classmates and instructors. It is a long, difficult and incredibly rewarding program from many perspectives. The most important reward, however, is the people!" Anne M. Chipchase, MA (CVM-Hawaii 2005) _______________________________ "I graduated from CVM I and found the program to be extremely helpful. First, it validated much of what I had been doing for the past 30 years in volunteer management and second, it gave me insight into new management techniques and methods that I had not considered over the years. The program offered networking opportunities which put me in touch with many accomplished and experienced volunteer managers and programs here in Hawaii. I am proud of my work and association with CVM Hawaii and look forward to my continued work in the program." Paul Belanger Director Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Pearl Harbor (CVM-Hawaii 2005) _______________________________ "The networking opportunities and management skills I've obtained in the CVM I class have been a tremendous help in running the daily operations of my program." Wes Yonamine State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, Airport Division, Visitor Information Program (CVM-Hawaii 2005) _______________________________ "I found the CVM program to be a very stimulating process that helped me to think about volunteers and management in ways that I hadn't previously. In addition, the camaraderie that developed among members of our cohort proved to be almost as valuable as the content of the course itself. I am sure that both aspects of the program will be vital resources for me in the future." Nathan Chang Educational Specialist University of Hawaii at Manoa, School of Social Work (CVM-Hawaii 2006-2007) _______________________________ "As a CVM graduate, I have to say taking the course was a great decision. As I was about to take on a new role as Manager of a Volunteer Program, the course material was critical in giving me the fundamental “nuts and bolts” of Volunteer Management. It gave me more confidence going into my new role. The CVM course also gave me access to a network of tremendous leaders that have years of experience in Volunteer Management. I am glad that I decided to take this course!" Brian Nagamine Manager, Volunteer Services Kuakini Health System (CVM-Hawaii 2005)

WORKSHOPS and SEMINARS
Workshops and seminars are offered on current issues in volunteerism including liability and risk management, cultural diversity, and character education. Contact VRCH for more information.

CONFERENCE SERVICES
VRCH works with groups needing assistance in planning and implementation of a special meeting, seminar, workshop, or conference—large or small, on land or at sea. VRCH will assist you in designing an event that is uniquely educational and rewarding, one that is imbued with the spirit of Aloha and delivered within your budget. Contact VRCH for more information.

The Indingenous Voices in Social Work Conference wrapped in June, 2007, but we are still receiving and extending Aloha and Ohana with all who were there! For our conference attendees, check out the conference information for updates and resources. If you are interested in attending in the future, check out the conference site to see what happened at this year's conference.

Plan now to attend the International Volunteer Administration Conference September 16–19, 2008, where we will focus on topics related to international volunteer management. The conference will be held at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. We want to see you there!

"Organizing high quality conferences or training workshops is inherently difficult, and to provide ever lasting impressions and memories require well thought out plans, organization, and timely execution. Witnessing the expressions of appreciation made by many young participants from Japan who attended the month long training workshop at the School of Social Work, University of Hawaii was a delightful and heart warming experience. The Volunteer Resource Center of Hawaii can provide excellent conference services. I also had a wonderful opportunity to work with them as a partner for an international aging conference. The director and the staff were very knowledgeable and easy to work with. I can testify that the VRCH can organize and provide services that meet your needs."

Harumi Karel
University of Hawaii Center on the Family

HAWAII STATE LIBRARY HELPS VRCH

VRCH has a choice selection of materials on the subject of volunteerism, values and character development, and disaster-related volunteerism.

Colette Young, head of the Social Sciences and Philosophy division of the State Library System, assisted retired librarian and VRCH volunteer, Pualani Rivero in a plan to house VRCH-donated books and references in the main library at 478 S. King Street. Lizhen Zhao, the librarian whose responsibility includes volunteerism in her collection development and who has been instrumental in selecting the materials funded by a small VRCH grant, has put together a bookmark of directories of volunteer opportunities. This will be reproduced and made available to the public.

Because Volunteerism crosses many disciplines and interests, please seek out books by subject, author, and/or call number. For example, volunteers in disasters, caregiving, baby boomers, youth, management, marketing, organizing, etc. Please make inquiries at the Social Sciences and Philosophy desk on the second floor-Ewa at the top of the stairwell.

Donations are welcome to the collection either monetarily or by the donation of a book. Please contact either the library or VRCH. should you be interested.

~ Photo courtesy of Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau.

community service