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In the mid-1970s, the Association for Volunteer Administration embarked on a revision of its professional credentialing program. AVA selected a performance-based system, based on a core group of competencies deemed essential for the effective administration of volunteer programs. Sarah Jane Rehnborg - the system developer - offered her reflections on the competency-based credentialing format. This article, based on a conference presentation, includes an important call to recognize that "our work is steeped in purpose and energized by passion."

...Our baseline competencies emerged through a thorough review of the literature enlarged to include contemporary issues in volunteerism and service management, and through an analysis of existing curriculum. The resulting list was distributed to 50 leading practicing professionals. Only skills and performance criteria judged statistically significant by the respondents appeared in the final list of competencies adopted by the Association. The work was subsequently replicated and substantiated by the thesis work of other graduate students.

But, as subsequent certification committees can attest, a question such as "what are the competencies that are essential to the effective management of volunteers?" takes on a life of its own. The list grows, professionals are drawn to check and double-check each iteration as if greater specificity will somehow bring into focus the final ingredient that will create the perfect recipe of professional acceptance, respect, adequate compensation, and the recognition for which we all strive.

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