Volunteer Management

On this page, you will find documents to support volunteer recognition, information on using our Volunteer Management System (Better Impact), and information on volunteer enrollment and re-enrollment.

Volunteer Enrollment & Re-enrollment | Volunteer Recognition | Better Impact Volunteer Management System

Volunteer Enrollment and Re-enrollment

Enrollment: All Virginia Master Naturalist volunteers must enroll initially using the online Better Impact application form for their chapter. All applicants must be screened before acceptance. See the volunteer enrollment and screening page for additional resources and information on this topic.

Re-enrollment: All Virginia Master Naturalist volunteers who want to continue participating in the program must re-enroll on an annual basis using Better Impact. The current re-enrollment period is December 1, 2022-January 31, 2023 for the 2023 calendar year.

VMN Re-enrollment instructional video: This is a 7-minute video that shows how a volunteer should complete the re-enrollment process. We demonstrate re-enrollment on both a computer and using the Better Impact mobile application on a phone.
VMN Admin Info Sheet_Annual Re-enrollment in the VMN Program: This is information for chapter board members explaining the VMN Annual Re-enrollment process.

Volunteer Recognition Procedures
Virginia Master Naturalist volunteers are recognized for their training and service in multiple ways at both the state and chapter level.

VMN Admin Info Sheet_Explanation of Recognition Item Documents (PDF): This is an explanation of the current VMN volunteer recognition documents.

Recognition for Graduation from the Volunteer Basic Training Course, Including Nametags

VMN Admin Info Sheet_Recognition for BTC Graduation (PDF): A summary and explanation of all the recognition associated with Basic Training Course Graduation.
VMN Basic Training Course diploma template (MS Word): This document may be used as a template for making printed certificates to provide to program participants upon graduation to recognize satisfactory completion of the course and assessment.
VMN Admin Info Sheet_Nametag Ordering (PDF): This Nametag Procedures document has step-by-step instructions for chapters to order name tags for VMN volunteers.
VMN Nametag Spreadsheet Template (MS Excel): This spreadsheet template is to be completed and uploaded with Nametag orders, following the procedures outlined in the Nametag Procedures document.

Example of the VMN name tag.

Example of the VMN name tag with pronouns. The volunteer name is a bit smaller to accommodate the additional line of text.

back of nametag with a magnet for attachment. Text reads

Photo of the of nametag with a magnetic backing. Please note warning for those who have pacemakers. A pin backing is also available.

Recognition for Certification and Recertification

VMN Admin Info Sheet_Recognition of Certified VMN Status (PDF): A summary and explanation of all the recognition associated with initial certification and recertification.
Recertification Pin History (webpage): A list of species and images used in VMN recertification pins to date.
VMN Vol Info Sheet_How to Request a Certification Check (PDF): This document outlines how a VMN volunteer can request a certification check if they think they have achieved initial certification.

Recognition for Service Hour Milestones

VMN Admin Info Sheet_Recognition for Service Hour Milestones (PDF): A summary and explanation of all the recognition associated with lifetime volunteer service hours.
VMN Certificate of Appreciation template (MS Word): This document may be used as a template for making certificates to acknowledge a valued supporter of the VMN Program or Chapter, someone who is not an enrolled volunteer but who provides extensive support and resources to the Chapter. Other special Chapter-created awards may also be given.

Better Impact Online Volunteer Management System
In early 2021, the VCE Master Volunteer programs (including VMN) transitioned over to Better Impact, an exciting new volunteer management system (VMS) for all our needs, including communications, activity listings, and the reporting of volunteer hours. Below are some tools to help you use the system.

Better Impact VMS: Initial Instructions for VMN Volunteers (PDF): The basics of getting started in BI as a VMN volunteer
Better Impact VMS Training Video for VCE Master Volunteers (video): A 30-minute video to help volunteers get started using the basic functions of the system
Using Better Impact VMS Features as a Volunteer: Match your Interests to find Opportunities, Receive Notices and Reminders about your Activities, and See Who Else has Signed Up (PDF): A document to describe how to more effectively use Better Impact features as a volunteer.
Creating and Editing Activities in Better Impact: Steps and Guidelines for VCE Master Volunteer Programs (PDF): For Better Impact administrators, this document has all the important steps to take when creating an activity, suggestions, and what to do with that once your activity is made (for Better Impact administrators)
Info Sheet: Chapter Dues Recordkeeping in Better Impact (PDF): For Better Impact administrators, this document explains how to track dues payments in Better Impact, including steps to perform bulk updates, execute searches and create a spreadsheet.
Sample Project Proposal Form (MS Word): This document is for use at the chapter level and may be adapted as needed.