Virginia Crisis Negotiators Association
Enhancing the skills, knowledge, and professionalism of crisis negotiators in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Virginia Crisis Negotiators Association (VACNA) is dedicated to advancing the skill and knowledge of crisis negotiators through high-quality training, networking, and advocacy while upholding the highest standards of inclusion, diversity, safety and ethics.
Through collaboration, education, and continuous development, VACNA strives to promote effective communication strategies, ensuring the peaceful resolution of high-stress situations and the preservation of human life.
We are committed to fostering a network of skilled negotiators who serve with integrity, compassion, and a focus on de-escalation.
News & Updates
June 18, 2025 - VACNA is Official!
Today marks an important day in our journey to develop this association. Today the Virginia Crisis Negotiators Association was approved for incorporation as a non-profit corporation in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are excited to have this association grow and look forward to the great things to come!
March 6, 2025 - First Board Meeting (2024 Q3)
The VACNA Board held its first official board meeting. Attended by six members, the meeting lacked the seven-member quorum required by the bylaws for new business, but provided updates and discussed progress. Key topics included the incorporation process, with research presenting LegalZoom as an option for filing fees, registered agent services, EIN, and more. Several funding methods for this startup expense were considered, such as board members contributing, selling merchandise, or offering honorary life memberships. The discussion on banking highlighted Truist as a potential choice favored for transaction limits and statewide accessibility, contrasting with LegalZoom's Bank of America partnership. Outreach efforts were discussed, specifically targeting the Western region and utilizing a new LinkedIn page. The board agreed to solicit logo ideas from members before a final selection vote, and began preliminary talks about hosting the first VACNA conference in 2026, possibly in the Central District. The next board meeting is planned for June 18th at 2:00 PM via Zoom.
January 24, 2025 - Founders' Meeting
A very exciting time for us! Negotiators from across the Commonwealth of Virginia met at the police department headquarters in Newport News, VA to officially form the Virginia Crisis Negotiators Association (VACNA). The delegation developed VACNA's bylaws, developed a mission and vision statement, defined regions and elected officers. Today marks an important day for the field of Negotiations in Virginia!