University of Maine Cooperative Extension, in partnership with Volunteer Maine, launched a new online training for individuals getting started in a volunteer management role. Three self-paced courses make up the Introductory Volunteer Management micro-credential.

Level 1, which takes about four hours to complete, provides an overview of what a volunteer manager does and explores aspects of volunteerism in Maine. It also introduces the seven competencies of volunteer management. Level 2 dives deeper into each of the seven competencies and typically takes approximately 10-12 hours. Level 3 is an opportunity to demonstrate the learner’s competencies through a self-designed volunteer management project. Learners earn micro-badges for each level and a micro-credential once all three levels are completed. The micro-credential showcases competency in volunteer management, an essential skill in Maine’s nonprofit, education and public sectors.

The micro-credential course is open to any learner, whether a working professional, a volunteer leader managing other volunteers, a student looking to complement their academic program, or other interested community members. Improving volunteer engagement is a first step in getting more Mainers engaged with civic organizations and strengthening ties between neighbors.

Register at the program website, under “Growing Maine” at discover.maine.edu. There is a sliding scale fee of $15 to $50 for each badge level and scholarships are available. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jen Lobley, 207.255.3455; jennifer.lobley@maine.edu.

Micro-credentials are short, flexible learning opportunities that are designed for a particular skill set and provide an opportunity for individuals to showcase important workplace skills and expertise to an employer. Participants who complete a micro-credential receive an officially verified digital badge that can be attached to resumes or portfolios.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has supported UMaine's land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.olunteer Maine

Volunteer Maine, the Maine Commission for Community Service, builds capacity and sustainability in Maine's volunteer sector by funding service programs, developing volunteer managers and service-learning practitioners, raising awareness of the scope and the impact of the volunteer sector, and encouraging an ethic of service.