Training

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT

The below training is for MSU Extension employees. Please contact Christine Heverly or Jennifer Weichel with questions. 

Volunteer Central Extended Learning Series

These trainings will feature a deeper dive into specific features of Volunteer Central. The trainings will not be recorded. You may sign up for all trainings or just those you wish to attend. All sessions are at 11am. Register.

  • 1/29/26: References
  • 2/5/26: Reports
  • 2/12/26: Grids & Filters
  • 2/19/26: Email & Texting
  • 2/26/26: Documentation (Notes and History, Attachments, Program Tabs)
  • 3/5/26: Steps to Accepting a Volunteer
  • NEW: 3/12/26: 4-H Clubs and Projects

Volunteer Management Policy Overview Training 

The training will provide an overview with an update on volunteer definitions, the VSP Screening process, volunteer management policies, and where to find information. This training is now a one-on-one training. Please contact Kristy Oosterhouse to schedule a training.

Volunteer Central Overview 

This is an overview of how to use various features of Volunteer Central. We do not record as we customize each one based on the questions and concerns that staff bring forward. 

  • Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 10:00AM. Register. 

SAFE Refresher: Informed Intuition

As professionals who work with children, youth or volunteers, it is our responsibility to create a thoughtful and thorough screening process to keep participants safe from this type of harm. This training is a refresher for anyone who has already attended a SAFE training. You must have attended a full day SAFE training before attending and register at least 24 hours ahead of time.

  • Future dates TBD.

SAFEly Interviewing Series

In 2026, the Screening Applicants for Effectiveness (SAFE) and Interviewing Potential Volunteers training will be combined and will be a combination of virtual training and an in-person workshop. This training complements the MSU Extension Volunteer Selection Process by ensuring staff can identify signs of concern and address difficult situations before they affect our youth audiences and learn to use available VSP components to prepare and conduct potential volunteer interviews. All faculty and staff members who work with children, youth or volunteers should attend. Free. Lunch is not provided. Attendees should be prepared to have video on for the Zoom meetings. Staff must attend the pre-meeting, in-person workshop, and the post-meeting for attendance to be recorded. Completion of all portions of this workshop are required for staff to interview volunteers on their own.

  • Save the Dates for 2026:
    • Q2 Registration Coming Soon!
      • Pre-Zoom Meeting on April 27, from 11 am - noon
      • In-Person Workshop on April 29, from 9am - 4pm, Mt. Pleasant (TBD)
      • Post-Zoom Meeting on May 14, from 10am - 11:30am
    • Q3 Save the Date
      • Pre-Zoom Meeting on September 10 from 11am - noon
      • In-Person Workshop on September 15, from 9am - 4pm, location TBD
      • Post-Zoom Meeting on September 30 from 10am - 11:30am
    • Q4 Save the Date
      • Pre-Zoom Meeting on November 18 from 11am - noon
      • In-Person Workshop on November 23 from 9am - 4pm, location TBD
      • Post-Zoom Meeting on December 8 from 10am - 11:30am