From the Nominator

Global Clubs Connect is a quarterly virtual leadership forum designed to strengthen and unify New York University’s global alumni volunteer network. The primary audience is alumni volunteers and emerging Community Ambassadors across more than 30 regional and international alumni clubs. The goal was to increase volunteer participation, improve program quality, and advance institutional priorities without significantly increasing staff or financial resources. We developed Global Clubs Connect to address uneven engagement, volunteer burnout, and inconsistent understanding of policies and funding. Rather than relying on one-directional staff training, we created a peer-led leadership model. Each 75-minute session includes institutional updates, a “Hosting 101” discussion, panel conversations with experienced alumni leaders, and breakouts where volunteers exchange best practices and set programming goals. Emerging clubs seeking official recognition must participate in Global Clubs Connect. Since launch, we have strengthened cross-regional collaboration, accelerated onboarding of new volunteers, improved adherence to event policies, and increased confidence among leaders hosting programs. Volunteers report greater clarity, stronger connection to the institution, and increased motivation to plan events. Global Clubs Connect demonstrates how institutions can mobilize alumni volunteers through peer leadership and efficient use of resources.

From the Judges

This initiative demonstrated a thoughtful and scalable approach to strengthening alumni volunteer leadership through a peer-driven engagement model. Judges appreciated the program’s ability to create greater consistency, collaboration, and accountability across a large global network. The transition from a staff-dependent to volunteer-led framework helped improve onboarding and communication among alumni leaders. Global Clubs Connect offers a strong example of how institutions can build sustainable volunteer communities through structure, peer mentorship, and efficient use of existing resources.