The Value of the CVA Credential
There are numerous benefits to earning this professional credential, both for you as an individual and for the organization you work for.
Benefits for YOU, the individual practitioner:
- clarifies and articulates personal values and professional ethics
- identifies areas of skill or knowledge you would like to strengthen
- assesses personal expertise against standards of performance
- enhances self-esteem through peer recognition
- increases confidence in problem-solving skills
- increases personal and professional credibility
- demonstrates the transferability of your knowledge, skills, and abilities
- reinforces your commitment to professional excellence
- may enhance your employability and/or your position in the organization
Benefits to your ORGANIZATION or EMPLOYER:
- demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the management of volunteer resources
- improves credibility and community image
- increases organization's understanding of volunteer resources management
- assesses employee's application of core competencies
- identifies and documents leadership potential
CVAs Speak From Experience...
Here are some testimonials from colleagues who have earned the CVA credential, giving their reasons for encouraging others to do the same:
"I learned a lot of valuable information while obtaining my CVA. I would recommend it to any Director of Volunteer Services. My organization was very pleased with my certification. There is greater respect for my position in the organization now than before."
Cindy Wells, CVA – Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, AR USA
"I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am to have this credential! Truly for me this was probably the single most important exercise (especially the Portfolio) that has helped me to really value what I do as a volunteer administrator and really commit to the profession. I did not find it easy to do but it was worth it. Thanks again. I feel so very privileged to join so many others in using the CVA as we develop better volunteer programs and effectively lead volunteers."
Anne Breakey Hart, CVA – Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
"What I like about the CVA is that it is a "living" credential -- it is meant to be kept timely and germane to the current situation by requiring one to recertify in a few years' time. Further, I have seen a renewal of spirit in myself and in my programming. I am now better able to identify WHY certain programs did not work in the past, and how to 'tweak' them to get out the kinks and become attractive to potential and current volunteer staff."
Victoria T. McDonald, CVA – Surrey Services for Seniors, Berwyn, PA USA
"It is a program of high quality and integrity which enhances the image of our profession."
Mary Moreillon, CVA – American Red Cross, Huntsville, AL USA
"Receiving my CVA was a great experience. Having someone else acknowledge me as a volunteer management professional is fantastic. But interestingly enough, it ended up being less about recognition from the outside and more about a genuine, internal understanding that I really do know what I am doing. It was my a-ha moment!"
Rob Buckel, CVA – Beacon Hospice, Inc, Boston, MA USA
"Going through the CVA process was a valuable educational undertaking for me. The reading materials provided more insights into the profession and the writing projects were a chance for introspection and goal definition. I learned from the experience, and achieving the certification proved to be beneficial in the workplace and as a volunteer."
Bob Gronko, CVA – Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL USA
"Achieving the CVA was such a positive experience for me. I began the CVA process in an attempt to become more visible and more marketable professionally. Almost a year later, I better understand the impact it made on me personally. I have more confidence in my knowledge, skills and abilities and Ive really committed myself to a career in volunteer management. After a few decades in the workforce, I finally know what Ive grown up to be and Im good at what I do!"
Karen Kendall, CVA – Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, St. Paul, MN USA
"Earning the CVA credential challenged me to examine myself and my philosophy of volunteer administration. It also opened doors of service to me that may not have been opened before. I believe in it so much that I now serve as a member of one of the CVA credentialing committees."
Brian J. Kenney, Chaplain – Wesley Willows, Rockford, IL USA
"My CVA gives me the opportunity to both model professional achievement for colleagues and to educate the general public about the profession and the core competencies we practice."
Teresa Gardner-Williams, CVA – Prince George's County Volunteer Center, Prince George's County, MD USA