Training

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT

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

NEW! Documentation and Volunteers - What Should Be Noted?

Effective documentation is a vital skill when working with volunteers—especially when navigating challenging situations or addressing concerns. This webinar will guide you through the when, what, why, where, and how of documenting volunteer interactions that require attention, clarification, or follow-up.

Whether you're noting a pattern of behavior, addressing a one-time incident, or preparing for a difficult conversation, clear and objective documentation helps protect both the volunteer and the organization. You'll learn best practices for writing factual, respectful, and useful records that support accountability, transparency, and growth.

Join us to explore:

  • When documentation is necessary
  • What details to include (and what to avoid)
  • Why documentation matters for risk management and volunteer support
  • Where to store records securely
  • How to document with clarity and professionalism.

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. Register in advance.

  • Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 1:00PM. Register.
  • Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 1:00PM. Register.
  • Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 1:00PM. Register.

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, September 17, 2025 at 3:00PM. Register.
  • Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 10:00AM. Register.
  • Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 1:00PM. Register.
  • Wednesday, December 3, 2025 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.

  • December 9, 2pm - 3:30pm. To join, please use the link from the OD newsletter.

SAFE Training

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. All faculty and staff members who work with children, youth or volunteers should attend. Free. Lunch is not provided.

  • Save the Date for 2025: November 24

Interviewing Potential Volunteers 

Learn to use available VSP components to prepare and conduct potential volunteer interviews. This training is hands-on and will encompass looking at test profiles in Volunteer Central. All MSU Extension staff who screen and process volunteers through the Volunteer Selection Process should attend. Offered multiple times. Free. Lunch is not provided. 

  • September 22, 2025 at MSUFCU Mt Hope, East Lansing. Register Here.
  • Save the Date for 2026: To be announced