Creating An Exceptional

Member Volunteer Experience

Volunteering is THE reason I belong to my association!

Step 1: Understanding Today’s Volunteer

Step 2: Constructing a New Volunteer Picture

Step 3: Creating the Magic

Our Agenda

mem·ber – A distinct part of a whole

en·gage·ment – The act of sharing in the activities of a group

vol·un·teer – One who performs a service freely

cit·i·zen – A fully engaged member

Setting the Stage

KEY FINDINGS

NOT ALL VOLUNTEERS ARE ALIKE

Patterns of Association Volunteering

Ad-hoc Volunteers• 59.5% of all volunteers• Entry point for

volunteering • Preferred mode of

volunteering• Higher importance on

networking over prof dev• Key jobs: mentoring,

coaching, community-building

• Off the radar• Lower-profile thus Less

recognition, reward & training

Writers & Teachers

The “subject matter experts”

Presentations Expert panels Publishing Standards review

The “connectors” Mentoring Coaching Tutoring Professional advice Membership recruitment

Volunteering & the Life Cycles

Differences among generations are subtle.Younger generations are volunteering & believe more strongly in the importance of volunteering!

Difference more noticeable along professional & family situations.

UNDERSTANDING WHY PEOPLE VOLUNTEER

Top Reasons Members Volunteer

1. Do something for profession/cause important to me

2. It’s important to help others3. Feel compassion for others 4. Gain new perspectives5. Explore my own strengths

UNDERSTANDING EFFECTIVE VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT

Power of the Direct Ask

How did you first learn about volunteering?

Direct Ask ... 51% were Asked by staff or another volunteer Local chapter or section Meeting or conference

While only 13% Answered a call for volunteers, ad,

website or Contacted organization

Why do members begin volunteering?

1.Meaningful opportunity2.Right skills3.Accessible location 4.No loss of income (doesn’t cost me!)

5.Short-term assignment

RETAINING VOLUNTEERS AND ATTRACTING NON-VOLUNTEERS

Remove the Barriers!

Top reasons members don’t volunteer: 1. Never asked to volunteer 2. Lack of information about volunteer

opportunities in general3. Lack of information about virtual

volunteering & about short-term assignments

4. Lack of follow through5. Inadequate expense reimbursement

Volunteer Coordinator – Boston ChapterThe volunteer coordinator position was created to help with 3 issues: 1.   Resource allocation 2.   New member involvement/orientation 3.   Member retention

Overview: The purpose of the position is to match interests and talents with committees who

require resources to perform their duties. The Volunteer Coordinators are responsible for acting as liaisons with the various committees to understand the nature of the duties to be performed by volunteers, and to act as a resource for new and current Chapter members who are looking for ways to be involved in Chapter operations.

Specific tasks: Use the data from our annual survey and monthly program evaluations to collect

information from potential volunteers Regularly attend committee meetings/be in contact with committee chairs and the

Board of Directors to remain apprised of volunteer resources they need Attend Chapter functions to meet and engage with new and returning members,

extending personal invitations to become involved Follow up with volunteers placed on committees to monitor progress and satisfaction Keep the Board of Directors informed of volunteers needed, placed, and progress

Volunteer Chair – Orange Co. ChapterThe Volunteer Chair shall

1) build volunteering awareness within the chapter, 2) engage volunteers, 3) act as a liaison between the Associate members, the Professional members and the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities Work with other chair members to match volunteering needs . Determine human recourses needed by chapter. Recruit members to volunteer Match members to other chair members committee needs Repeat

Skills The Volunteer Chair should have good organizational and people skills.

The Chair should be able to communicate and delegate chapter tasks to the appropriate volunteers; matching the need with the skill set.

Prepared byMariner Management & Marketing3517 Forest Haven Drive, Laurel, MD 20725v. 301-725-2508 f. 301-238-4579 Twitter @peggyhoffman

Check our Chapter Resources at www.MarinerManagement.com/resources

Contact us by phone or email:Peggy Hoffman, phoffman@marinermanagement.com

Don't ever question the value of volunteers. Noah's Ark was built by volunteers; the Titanic was built by professionals. ~ anonymous

Great experiences, Great volunteers