*** DRAFT ***
Last Updated 7-3-07

The mission statement, vision statement, and values below were drafted by the COVAA Steering Committee and are not yet fina.

Mission Statement:

To enhance and sustain the positive impacts of volunteers in our diverse communities, COVAA serves as the catalyst to foster collaboration, promote professional development, define best practices, and advocate for leaders in volunteer engagement.

Vision Statement:

Galvanize (Revolutionize) leaders of volunteer engagement and inspire innovation by being the catalyst for change into the 21st century.

Guiding Principles of COVAA:

We Value our Service by:

• Providing excellence in service, adhering to the ethics we promote, and exemplifying competence, quality standards and credibility within the profession.
• Being “on the pulse” of our professions by defining and following best practices, identifying current and future trends, encouraging the use of newest technology and providing access/links to cutting edge resources.
• Relevancy, progression and having impact within our profession.
• The promotion of learning and growth through training, connection of resources and providing forums for thought leadership to meet the needs of multi-level expertise within our membership.

We Value Collaboration by:

• Investing in the future of volunteerism through capacity building and being strong and viable in the communities we serve.
• Honoring current relationships within the field and building new ones.
• Building alliances that encourage innovation, creativity, vision, and passion.
• Being fluid and flexible in our approach with other organizations.

We Value Stewardship by:

• Diversity, inclusiveness, sensitivity and accessibility.
• Governing our organization with integrity and accountability by incorporating sustainable practices, both philosophically and financially.
• In building effective leadership on a local, statewide and national level and collectively influencing decisions that affect our profession.

We Value our People by:

• Attracting, retaining, fostering and honoring the best and brightest talent.
• Engaging and recognizing the talents of volunteers in the mission and work of our organization.
• Open, proactive, transparent communication through being visible to all members.