4 VIRGINIA FORESTS Before its September 2021 strategic planning session, the VFA Board surveyed current and past volunteer leaders to solicit general feedback on the organization. Many respondents indicated that VFA’s volunteer opportunities were disjointed and left them feeling disengaged. Understanding that the vitality of an association is dependent on member engagement and volunteer development, the Board set out to improve the volunteer structure despite VFA having just made changes five years prior. The Board created a Volunteer Leadership Task Group, led by VFA Past President and Advisory Council Chair Glen Worrell and comprised of VFA leaders past and present. Their charge: “to develop recommendations to increase the efficacy of volunteer activities, establish a pipeline of new leaders, and improve participant satisfaction.” Utilizing nonprofit best management practices and available data, the group reached consensus on an innovative structure that will be more inclusive of perspectives from throughout VFA’s diverse membership. At VFA’s 2023 Annual Meeting in April, the membership unanimously approved amendments to VFA Bylaws that reflect the Task Group’s recommendations. Coupled with Board policy creating targeted Stakeholder Interest Councils and revamped program committees, the new VFA Volunteer Leadership Structure is rolling out this year, intent on meeting that important charge. For more information on the newly adopted structure or to volunteer, please visit our website at www.vaforestry.org, email me at cconnors@vaforestry.org, or give me a call. We would love to have your input in determining how VFA can better serve our great community. Another theme that emerged from the Board’s strategic workshop was the growing chasm between rural and urban Virginia. Driven by public policy, but also in practical effect, rural Virginia is evolving to meet the aims of an urban population base. The Commonwealth’s goals pertaining to water quality, urban tree canopy, and clean energy were OBJECTIVE Bridge the divide between rural and urban Virginia to broaden understanding of forest resources as a driver of ecological, economic, and social prosperity that benefits all Virginians. OBJECTIVE Provide meaningful opportunities for volunteers to advance Virginia’s forestry community through direct engagement with VFA programs and services.
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