In this in-person Learning Community, Rayne Schwantes will present about the potential of AI within the volunteer administration realm. Kate McPherson will then help facilitate a discussion amongst the group to hear how others are integrating AI into their volunteer programs, to listen to hesitations, and to answer questions. This is an interactive presentation and discussion where attendees are encouraged to participate throughout the session.
Session Elements: Exploring Ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder
- Learn how fellow NOVAA members are finding ways to use their time more effectively
- Use a planning tool that fosters innovation
- Discover ways AI could make volunteer management easier.
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Rayne (she/her), MBA, CVA is the current Co-President of NOVAA and was previously the board secretary for 3 years. She has been in volunteer administration for over 8 years. She started her volunteer management journey as an AmeriCorps member, completing two terms. She has led volunteers in three crucial nonprofit sectors: housing, food, and healthcare. She has a Master's in Business Administration, a Certification in Volunteer Administration, a certificate in nonprofit management, and a certificate in grant writing. She currently works two jobs, both of which are challenging in wonderful ways. She is very active in her community. Along with volunteering on the NOVAA board, she fosters cats and kittens seven days a week with the Columbia Humane Society. She and her partner have several cats and dogs, all of whom are rescues and are now seniors. Their lives revolve around making their retirements the best they can be. This includes finding every spot in NW Portland that has dog treats and pup cups, or cuddling as many of them that will fit on the couch while watching their favorite sitcoms and crocheting. They enjoy taking the dogs for long walks after dinner to explore every corner of the neighborhood. When they are not hanging out with the animals, they are at the stadium rooting for their favorite team, the Thorns, or spending time with friends.
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As a classroom teacher and as Director of Project Service Leadership, Kate helped students, teachers, schools and districts develop service-learning partnerships that serve the community while enriching student learning. As a founding board member of Serve Washington, she helped launch Washington’s AmeriCorps program in ways that promoted volunteerism and civic engagement across the state.
As a parent, Kate feels strongly that young people thrive when they feel needed and valued and she loves developing volunteer opportunities that build upon children’s unique skills and interests. Check out her Parent’s Guide to Service to learn more.
As a volunteer, Kate currently manages the Portland Community Engagement Collective which is exploring ways to make it easier for all people to find meaningful ways to share their time, talent, treasure and voice.
Kate loves being retired in Portland, where she especially enjoys music and dancing, pickleball and hanging with friends and family. She also appreciates the easy access to scenic hiking, backpacking, and backcountry skiing.
Learning Communities are free for NOVAA Members and just $10 for other guests.
