Volunteer Program
Volunteerism is an important aspect of professional growth. If we are to reach the highest possible standards in Aboriginal management and governance, AFOA members have an obligation to volunteer their time and expertise for the betterment of the profession. The rewards are both personal and professional.
CAFMs can also receive credits towards CAFM Maintenance of Certification by performing volunteer duties. See Becoming a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager. Volunteer work could include:
- being a course mentor for on-line course students
- being a course instructor
- making presentations to Aboriginal youth on a career in finance and/or management
- sitting on AFOA committees and focus groups
- marking the National Exam
Members will be informed, and information will be posted on this site, when the volunteer program has been fully developed and available for members.
HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR PROFESSION AND ABORIGINAL PEOPLES
There are exciting developments occurring that bode well for the future of First Nation communities and Aboriginal people on our path to self-government. However, the success of these efforts relies heavily on the issue of capacity – that is the ability of key people in Aboriginal communities and organizations to effectively manage resources, programs and services. That is what AFOA is all about. Providing these people with the skills and knowledge to do their job, and do it right.
Success also relies on getting skilled knowledgeable Aboriginals to manage our communities and resources instead of leaving our communities and applying their skills elsewhere. That means interesting young people in certification programs like the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager program. A recent AFOA survey (see July 2004 issue of AFOA Express) has demonstrated that relatively few people are entering into the Aboriginal management profession and/or working in management in communities.
How can you help? As an AFOA member you are in an ideal position to help by volunteering your services in one of several ways. Note that volunteering for these roles if you are a CAFM will also enable you to earn credits towards your Maintenance of Certification.
Share your experience to inspire a student to become a financial manager
AFOA always needs volunteers to go to career fairs in Aboriginal high schools across the country and deliver presentations on the Aboriginal financial management profession. Would you like to share your story and inspire a student to become a financial manager? Call AFOA today and sign yourself up in your region.
Be a course instructor
AFOA offers nine on-line courses – five of which are part of the AFM and CAFM program. These courses are:
- AFM 3- Law
- AFM4 – Strategy & Decisions
- AFM 5 – Values & Ethics in the Aboriginal Workplace
- AFM 6 – Aboriginal History & Developments
- AFM 14 – Aboriginal Human & Fiscal Issues
- AFOA 1- Economic Community Development
- AFOA 2 – Aboriginal Management Practices 1
- AFOA 3 – Aboriginal Program Management
- AFOA 4 – Aboriginal Management Practices 2
- AFOA 5 – Values & Ethics in the Aboriginal Workplace
You could be an instructor for AFOA’s courses. Instructors’ responsibilities include monitoring student activity on-line; responding to students’ academic queries; and, marking and discussing assignments with students. Instructors are paid a nominal fee in compensation. Interested candidates will be required to submit a resume and participate in a telephone interview for a review of their qualifications.
Be a course mentor
Many types of people take AFOA’s on-line courses - those aspiring to be a Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) - those wishing to enhance their professional development – those meeting employer demands. Taking these courses is often far from easy. Although the courses are user-friendly and easy to navigate, the “on-line” format can be a difficult learning vehicle when people are accustomed to face-to-face learning experiences. The isolation of on-line learning environments can make it difficult for students to stay engaged and motivated to complete coursework. Sometimes students underestimate the course workload; sometimes the material is difficult to grasp. Sometimes they need a little help and guidance.
AFOA would like to introduce a course mentoring program for these students. Course mentors coach the student through the on-line learning environment. They serve as the student’s “touchstone” and as a motivator. They monitor the student’s progress through the course. They are available to the student for assistance, guidance, support and motivation. They can serve as a liaison between the instructor and the student.
AFOA student mentors will get recognition in AFOA communication vehicles. They will get the appreciation and thanks from students. They will get the satisfying and rewarding experience of helping their brothers and sisters. They will not, however, get paid for their services. These are volunteer positions.
Contribute to JAM: The Journal of Aboriginal Management
AFOA publishes a Journal, JAM: The Journal of Aboriginal Management, twice a year. JAM will provide up-to-date information on professional trends and innovations, interviews with leaders, articles from national and regional experts, profiles of community based projects and initiatives and information on professional development resources. AFOA is seeking articles for JAM on professional issues of interest to Aboriginal managers and elected officials.
Get involved with the CAFM Professional Exam
AFOA is looking for volunteer CAFMs to serve as markers for the CAFM Professional Exam. If you are interested in serving the profession in this context, contact AFOA.
Speak to youth audiences about a career in Aboriginal finance and management
AFOA often seeks members across the country to speak at career fairs and youth conferences on the CAFM designation and the benefits to pursuing a career in Aboriginal finance and management.