The goal of the William & Mary (W&M) Volunteer Leadership Summit was to steward and connect grassroots volunteers from annual giving, alumni regional and career networks, and inclusion initiatives. We also aimed to grow the volunteer pipeline and transition participants into board service. Within six months, five attendees joined boards, and an engagement strategy is in place. By prioritizing cross-campus collaboration and actively listening to alumni, we built trust and deepened engagement. The summit convened 81 volunteers—exceeding our goal of 75—and fostered connections with university leaders. Attendees participated in networking, strategic discussions, and design-thinking exercises. A post-event survey yielded a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 83, with participants highlighting the opportunity to interact with W&M leadership and fellow alumni. By equipping volunteers with campaign messaging and insights, the summit positioned them as informed advocates.
From the Judges
This standout example of volunteer engagement balances strategy, innovation, and community-building. Its focus on grassroots volunteer cultivation, paired with personalized content, leadership access, and strategic follow-up, makes this initiative not just an event, but a launchpad for sustained involvement.
