2026 Pre-Conference Workshops

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention

with Amy Shike, Training Manager, Montana Nonprofit Association

Presented Wednesday, September 30

Workshop materials

• Slide deck

• Who Volunteers for You Worksheet

• Volunteer Job Description Template

• Board Member Job Description Template

Start or strengthen your volunteer recruitment and management plans in this two-part webinar series. Participants will explore volunteer motivations and capacities, refine logistics to support retention, and consider ways to improve existing recruitment practices.

While there’s no perfect solution to attracting and keeping volunteers, this series will help you better understand why people choose to get involved and how to develop opportunities that align with their interests and availability. Through an interactive format, you’ll also reframe recruitment efforts in the context of changing demographics and needs in Montana—helping you connect more effectively with volunteers ready to support your work.

After this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the primary motivations of volunteers

• Identify opportunities that meet a variety of volunteer capacities

• Develop volunteer job descriptions and training plans

• Prioritize strategies for recruiting, retaining, and growing volunteer pools

Arts Updates with the Montana Arts Council and Montana Cultural Advocacy

Presented Tuesday, October 6, 1:00-2:00pm

Links:

MT Arts Council Part 1 Slides

MT Cultural Advocacy Part 2 Slides

Contact Emily Wolfram, MT Cultural Advocacy

Montana Cultural Advoacy

Join us for a two-part virtual session covering the state of public arts funding in Montana and how local communities can independently advocate for cultural resources.

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Part 1: Montana Arts Council Update with Krys Holmes, Executive Director, Montana Arts Council

​Krys will share updates on public funding for the arts at the state and federal levels. This informational presentation will cover current agency initiatives, grant opportunities, new funding guidelines, and state/federal budget allocations impacting Montana’s arts sector.

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Part 2: Grassroots Arts Advocacy & Action with Emily Wolfram, Board Member, Montana Cultural Advocacy (MCA)

​Wearing her hat as a representative of Montana Cultural Advocacy, Emily will discuss key upcoming events affecting future arts funding, goals for arts advocacy in the upcoming state legislative session and federal budget cycle, and how everyday Montanans can make a direct impact. She will demonstrate how to use MCA’s online Advocacy Playbook—a resource featuring practical tools, tips for contacting lawmakers, and guidance for community members to speak up for arts resources.