Welcome to the COVAAC blog!

COVAAC is trying to make sure that you can have access to all our news when you need it! Our meeting today was on marketing and public relations. Lots of great ideas. Here's a sample of what our members are reading in their email:

“It’s all about building relationships and getting the word out about your organization.”

·         KNOW your mission!

o   You need to eat, sleep and drink your mission.

o   Your mission statement must answer this question -  Why should I care that your organization exists? You must build a public persona. You need to know what the public thinks about your organization.

o   Have your mission statement prepared in various forms to be instantly available as needed. Have the mission statement in different lengths – less than 25 words, less than 150 words, etc. That way, no matter what the request, you can instantly respond.

Also, we have lots of upcoming events to announce!

• The Volunteer Project Hall of Fame Awards luncheon will be held on Friday, November 5, 2010. If you want your project to be recognized, but sure to submit your nomination by 5 PM on October 15th. Download the form at http://www.volunteerannearundel.org/.
• On Friday, October 15th, you can attend the MCDVS all day workshop - Elements of Volunteer Management. For more information, visit http://www.mcdvs.org/.
• On Friday, October 15th, you can attend a special noncredit nonprofit leadership course at Anne Arundel Community College - Boards That Work in Challenging Times. For more information, visit www.aacc.edu/nonprofit.
• The Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism is offering a webinar on Anmericorp on October 13th from 10 - 11 AM. Not into webinars? Visit the Crofton library on October 14th from 3 to 5 PM for a presentation by members from that office. Both presentations will cover Americorps programs in Maryland and what you need to know about applying.