how to catch and keep volunteers noni mcmillian, firstlink how to catch and keep volunteers

How to Catch and Keep VolunteersNoni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

How to Catch and Keep Volunteers


We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~

Winston Churchill

Volunteer Basics

Today’s Volunteer

Volunteer Retention

Volunteer Recruitment

Volunteer Recognition

How to Catch and Keep Volunteers


Volunteer Toolbox


$19.51 per hour


How volunteers Can Benefit an Agency

• Create community involvement

• Increase your organization’s visibility

• Get more accomplished

• Sustain or expand number of people you serve

• Control or reduce your costs

• Respond quickly to changing needs or a crisis


Volunteer Stats

• 44 percent of adults volunteer

• 109 million Americans volunteer

• Rate of volunteering increases with level of education and household income

• Women are more likely to volunteer then men


Why do people volunteer?

GuiltTo escape

To gain statusTo give back

Personal growthTo gain experience

To be an advocateTo get out of the house

Because someone asked To become an agent of chang

To gain services for themselves


2 Way Relationship


Volunteer Trends

Volunteers Want

• A meaningful/challenging opportunity

• Issue based opportunities

• A Professional environment

• A fast response

• Shorter volunteer assignments


Volunteer Basics


First Things First

1. Conduct a needs assessment

2. Make a list of possible volunteer positions

3. Gather support from others in your agency

4. Identify strengths and weaknesses (staff,facility,equipment)


First Things First

Create a Job DescriptionJob Title

Position OverviewQualifications

ResponsibilitiesBenefits

Training RequirementsContact Person


Title 2-1-1 FOODLINK Volunteer

Reports to FOODLINK Manager Location FIRSTLINK

195 N Grant Ave Columbus, Ohio 43215

Position Overview Provide direct assistance to callers through the FOODLINK phone line by connecting households with a three day emergency supply of food. Training is Provided.

Responsibilities Answer incoming phone calls to provide information and referral service activities including intake, assessment and referral

Provides advocacy for consumers when needed by interacting with consumers and agencies in resolving problems and providing information

Gathers all pertinent information and records all calls in the computer using appropriate documentation

Conduct follow-up surveys with callers

Qualifications Excellent oral and written communication skills

Must be a good listener Strong computer skills Ability to work independently Must have exceptional attention to

detail Benefits Ongoing training opportunities

Complimentary registration to FIRSTLINK Professional Development Series (restrictions apply, ask for details)

Opportunities to network with other professionals

Ability to make an immediate impact in the community

Time Commitment A minimum 6 week commitment and at least 4 hours per week

Volunteer Hours FOODLINK is open the following hours:

Monday,Wednesday,Friday: 7a.m.-4p.m. Tuesday,Thursday: 7a.m. – 8 p.m.

Contact Person Noni McMillian 614.221.6766 ext 150 614.224.6866 Fax [email protected] www.firstlink.org

SAMPLE VOLUNTEER JOB

DESCRIPTION


First Things First

Develop a Policies and Procedures ManualVolunteer Rights and Responsibilities

Emergency Procedures/ContactsService Delivery ProceduresStandards of work and dressTraining/ Probationary Period

Corrective actionReasons for Dismissal

Timesheets


Example

VOLUNTEER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Volunteers Have the Right to:1. Be extended the right to be given meaningful

assignments2. Be treated as an equal3. Appropriate training and supervision4. Be recognized for a job well done 5. Be kept informed through trainings,

memorandums and volunteer meetings


Volunteer ToolboxSample Volunteer Policy and procedure manual, sample volunteer job description


Today’s Volunteer


Generation Y

• Optimistic, positive and friendly

• Active learners

• Multi taskers

• Technology is expected

• Always connected(Adapted from Billings and Kiwalski,2004;Johnson & Romanell,2005)


Generation X

• Tech savvy

• Media savvy

• Self reliant

• Adapt well to change

• Try and attain multiple goals at once


Baby Boomers

•Driven and dedicated

•Equate work with self worth

•Want open communication

•Want educational opportunities

(BOOMNET: Capturing the Baby Boomer Volunteers – A Research Project)


Silent Generation

• Strong regard of law, order, religion

• By the book• People who went

along and got along• Value safety and

security


Volunteer Toolbox

Research Demographics of your community


Volunteer Motivators


Social Motivators

AffiliationInfluence

Achievement

McClelland’s Social Motivators


Affiliation

• Opportunities for making friends

• Likes to be popular• Enjoys and wants

interaction• Desires harmony• Likes to help others

Holds a high belief in goals or ideals of the organization“Understanding Volunteers” Points of Light Foundation


Achievement

• Seeks Opportunities for increased responsibility

• Wants Clearly stated goals

• Seeks Opportunities for advancement

• Goal Oriented• Strong need for feedback

Concerned with Setting and Meeting Personal Goals

“Understanding Volunteers” Pints of Light Foundation


Influence/Power

• Likes to lead• Wants interaction with

top management• Desires opportunity to

train/teach others• Wants opportunity for

increased responsibility and authority

Desire to influence or lead people and activities



1. Set Goals and Objectives

2. Set your plan in motion

3. Monitor and Track

4. Re-direct/Re-design

5. Be Patient


Recruitment Message

Need: What is the problem?

Solution: How can the problem be solved?

Fears: Will I be capable of helping?

Benefits: What’s in it for me?

Contact: How do I get involved?


Need: What is the problem?


Solution: Can this job solve it?

Big Brothers Big Sisters PSA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgf8GiK-8us

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgf8GiK-8us

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cyprusactionnetwork.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/youtube-1.22175347.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cyprusactionnetwork.org/&usg=__EC2UGVgboTEV9RNcLWarTpYvBX4=&h=600&w=800&sz=129&hl=en&start=2&tbnid=HBa2SZfDhdW5SM:&tbnh=107&tbnw=143&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dyou%2Btube%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den


Fears: Will I be capable of helping?


Benefits: What’s in it for me?



Contact: How do I get involved?


Creating Your Message

WII-FM


Recruitment: Motivational MessagesHelping Others

Gaining work experience/learn new skills

Stay active and involved

Meet new people

Make professional contacts

Gain academic credit

Build self confidence

Use your gifts and talents

Improve the community

Influence/Empower Others


Helping You Achieve Your Goals

Personal/Professional Rewards

Addressing the needs of the community

Areas of training are listed


Golden Rules of Recruitment

1. Ask2. Be flexible3. Sell the benefits4. Volunteers have options5. Be specific6. Recruit for diversity7. Be Ready8. Quality over quantity



Trends in Action:

Recruitment Strategy


Trend 1: Issue Based

(www.americorp.gov)

AmeriCorp Vista

Thirty-seven million Americans live in poverty. Through AmeriCorp VISTA, you can make a tangible difference. And, you’ll find the fulfillment that comes

from using your knowledge and skills to help those in disadvantaged circumstances turn their dreams into

reality


Trend 2:Meaningful/Challenging Work

Volunteer for Children's Hunger AllianceAs a volunteer, you can help bridge gaps between diverse populations, build lasting relationships, offer hope, create healthier

families and healthier communities and have fun too! Whether you want to make a long-term or short-term commitment, there are volunteer

opportunities for everyone (Childrens Hunger Alliance,www.childrenshungeralliance.org)

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.barcelonacolumbus.com/images/ChildrensHungerAlliance400.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.barcelonacolumbus.com/barcelona.htm&usg=__Sgl15WFLrKcRRwAOZfq2-JTvKbo=&h=122&w=400&sz=13&hl=en&start=7&tbnid=exThPn4TyV0sZM:&tbnh=38&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dchildrens%2Bhunger%2Balliance%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den


Trend 3:Shorter Assignments

Tax preparation volunteers are needed during tax season, January 15 to April 15, to help low-income families claim the tax credits they're entitled to for the 2007 tax

year. You can help boost a family's annual income by up to 50%! Exact dates and times vary by site based on volunteer

availability. United Way of Ventura County

(http://www.volunteerventuracounty.org)


Volunteer Toolbox

Sample marketing/recruitment materials


Volunteer RecruitmentDelivering Your Recruitment Message


Getting the Word Out


Media• Press release• Media contacts

• Send email alerts on a regular basis

• Become an expert or go-to person in your community

• Develop a relationship with your local media


Existing Volunteers

A satisfied volunteer is the best recruiter!


Power in Partnerships

Colleges or UniversitiesHigh Schools

Workforce Development ProgramsVocational Rehabilitation Programs

Job and Family Services-TANF RecipientsWorkers Compensation

VISTASService Organizations-Kiwanis


Volunteer Match sites

Volunteer Match

Idealist.org

Points of Light Foundation

Local United Way

1-800-VOLUNTEER.org

CharityAmerica.com

Craig’s List

Guide Star


Internet

• Website• Volunteer Match sites• College

internship/career sites• Social media

• More comfortable form of recruitment for people


Website

• Strategically place volunteer opportunities

• Online volunteer application

• Update frequently• Make it easy to use


Social Media

“The future of communication”

Shift in how people communicate

Shift in where we get our information

Real time response

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTefgXNMlJ1uIAHTSJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBpZTByOGFiBHBvcwMyBHNlYwNzcgR2dGlkAw--/SIG=1i4sa877a/EXP=1238009239/**http%3A//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3Fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Ffr2%253Dsg-gac%2526sado%253D1%2526p%253Dlinked%252520in%252520logo%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-501-s%2526ei%253Dutf-8%2526x%253Dwrt%26w=105%26h=31%26imgurl=www.wjfw.com%252FPhotos%252FLinked%252520in%252520logo%2525209-27.jpg%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.wjfw.com%252FPhotos%26size=1.4kB%26name=Linked%2Bin%2Blogo%2B9-27.jpg%26p=linked%2Bin%2Blogo%26type=JPG%26oid=020be162436dcbfa%26no=2%26tt=11,323%26sigr=10qrlv2r0%26sigi=11hb4qijr%26sigb=13hfrd0e1

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTefiOM8lJveEAV82JzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBpcWpidGtpBHBvcwM4BHNlYwNzcgR2dGlkAw--/SIG=1gk6e0tig/EXP=1238009102/**http%3A//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3Fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Fp%253Dfacebook%252Blogo%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-501-s%2526toggle%253D1%2526cop%253Dmss%2526ei%253DUTF-8%26w=48%26h=48%26imgurl=www.fantasybookinc.com%252Fimages%252Ffacebook_sqaure_logo.gif%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Fkenlou.com%252F%26size=1.6kB%26name=facebook_sqaure_logo.gif%26p=facebook%2Blogo%26type=gif%26oid=74696434af937042%26no=8%26tt=11,904%26sigr=10ihcgthb%26sigi=11mo84021%26sigb=135innos9

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/1872247755_70fb3b4f36.jpg%3Fv%3D0&imgrefurl=http://flickr.com/photos/47353092%40N00/1872247755&usg=__rGVn_2nU058xo14Z8ge93i4954k=&h=150&w=150&sz=2&hl=en&start=5&tbnid=8ijEwcH0JojQhM:&tbnh=96&tbnw=96&prev=/images%3Fq%3DDel.icio.us%2Blogo%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.i-marco.nl/weblog/images/digg-logo.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.i-marco.nl/weblog/archives/archive_2007-m09.php&usg=__Hq3-9qw8cc_Ode7FLaWec9PCs1w=&h=116&w=200&sz=3&hl=en&start=7&tbnid=UfEdqUFJUZZdhM:&tbnh=60&tbnw=104&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddigg%2Blogo%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTefc7NMlJP_IAGHmJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBpaWhqZmNtBHBvcwMzBHNlYwNzcgR2dGlkAw--/SIG=1hrai17hk/EXP=1238009275/**http%3A//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3Fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Ffr2%253Dsg-gac%2526sado%253D1%2526p%253Dtwitter%252520logo%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-501-s%2526ei%253Dutf-8%2526x%253Dwrt%26w=450%26h=166%26imgurl=point-oh.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2007%252F12%252Ftwitter_logo.png%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Fpoint-oh.com%252F%253Fp%253D156%26size=23.7kB%26name=twitter_logo.png%26p=twitter%2Blogo%26type=png%26oid=d87c12d35f1ecf1c%26no=3%26tt=5,204%26sigr=10qohmvcq%26sigi=11o6qgcnl%26sigb=13dufaq0g


Social Media

Types

Blogs

Social Networks

Video/Photo Sharing

Pod casts

Groups

Message Boards






http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://kara.allthingsd.com/files/2008/11/myspace.gif&imgrefurl=http://kara.allthingsd.com/category/econalypse/&usg=__SCrYzuKvJENUJ9TaHvbn2c41lsw=&h=300&w=300&sz=13&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=h5uOEUB3ky3b0M:&tbnh=116&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmyspace%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den


http://technorati.com/blogs/oceangrand.org

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bountyfishing.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/reddit_logo.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.bountyfishing.com/blog/2007/08/08/our-last-post-on-amazing-fish-changed-the-reddit-logo/&usg=__7T1-S9O-FyVL_pL5GtHdzEu9njI=&h=47&w=117&sz=3&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=kRWYSRRQVndKeM:&tbnh=35&tbnw=88&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dreddit%2Blogo%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://rogerwho.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/flickr-logo.jpg&imgrefurl=http://rogerwho.wordpress.com/&usg=__ePUo350JHH_BUoEDZTvKIBOd_t8=&h=196&w=500&sz=12&hl=en&start=2&tbnid=p99FFGDhXindAM:&tbnh=51&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dflickr%2Blogo%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den


Facebook

• Select “friends” to connect with online• Average person has 120 friends• Over 175 million active users• Over 18 million users update profile each day• Fastest growing demo-people over 30(facebook.com)



http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toronto-ON/Toronto-Special-Events-Volunteer-Recruitment-Team/15306441484






Twitter

• Quick bits of news “tweets”

• Select people to “follow”

• 4-5 million users• 5,000-10,000 new

accounts are opened each day

• 200,000 active users per week

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTb_qrOMlJousAh0KJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBpc2ozM2gzBHBvcwM0BHNlYwNzcgR2dGlkAw--/SIG=1kunnmfb1/EXP=1238010411/**http%3A//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3Fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Fp%253Dtwitter%252Blogos%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-501%2526ei%253Dutf-8%2526x%253Dwrt%26w=128%26h=128%26imgurl=static.flickr.com%252F3362%252F3315840401_81acc93bf6.jpg%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.flickr.com%252Fphotos%252Fread2know%252F3315840401%252F%26size=13.2kB%26name=Twitter%2BLogo%26p=twitter%2Blogos%26type=JPG%26oid=3c9b0d8622c4d980%26fusr=Read%2B2%2BKnow%26tit=Twitter%2BLogo%26hurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.flickr.com%252Fphotos%252Fread2know%252F%26no=4%26tt=99%26sigr=11igvroo1%26sigi=11gkuimc3%26sigb=12oakr5kt%26sigh=117h6ip6s



Emergency Preparednesshttp://twitter.com/#search?q=firstlink


Blogs

• Online journal• Opportunity to give a

new perceptive to the organization

• Get insight• Can be updated more

quickly then a website• Increases traffic

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTb_xzOclJuNIAxsOJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBpZTByOGFiBHBvcwMyBHNlYwNzcgR2dGlkAw--/SIG=1kmjlro7p/EXP=1238010611/**http%3A//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3Fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Fp%253Dblogger%252Blogo%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-501%2526ei%253Dutf-8%2526x%253Dwrt%26w=252%26h=252%26imgurl=static.flickr.com%252F1098%252F1230157058_bc65dce3b9.jpg%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.flickr.com%252Fphotos%252F11698134%2540N05%252F1230157058%252F%26size=15.7kB%26name=blogger%26p=blogger%2Blogo%26type=JPG%26oid=7975e6dbf2453726%26fusr=ajSEO%26tit=blogger%26hurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.flickr.com%252Fphotos%252F11698134%2540N05%252F%26no=2%26tt=36,691%26sigr=11l8a4t8i%26sigi=11guiklp7%26sigb=12nqis8uo%26sigh=11ahmjulv


Volunteer Blog

http://www.wildapricot.com/blogs/newsblog/archive/2008/03/25/recruit-new-volunteers-online-and-celebrate-volunteer-week-2008.aspx






You Tube

• Allows people to upload videos

• You can share or comment on the videos

• Every minute, ten hours of video is uploaded

• 51% of users visit the site on a weekly basis

(www.youtube.com)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxT-jF5x_os

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxT-jF5x_os



Using Social Media Effectively

1. Count the Costs

2. Build what you can manage

3. Find the best platform

4. Have a plan of action

http://technorati.com/blogs/oceangrand.org

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://kara.allthingsd.com/files/2008/11/myspace.gif&imgrefurl=http://kara.allthingsd.com/category/econalypse/&usg=__SCrYzuKvJENUJ9TaHvbn2c41lsw=&h=300&w=300&sz=13&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=h5uOEUB3ky3b0M:&tbnh=116&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmyspace%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den







http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bountyfishing.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/reddit_logo.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.bountyfishing.com/blog/2007/08/08/our-last-post-on-amazing-fish-changed-the-reddit-logo/&usg=__7T1-S9O-FyVL_pL5GtHdzEu9njI=&h=47&w=117&sz=3&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=kRWYSRRQVndKeM:&tbnh=35&tbnw=88&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dreddit%2Blogo%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://rogerwho.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/flickr-logo.jpg&imgrefurl=http://rogerwho.wordpress.com/&usg=__ePUo350JHH_BUoEDZTvKIBOd_t8=&h=196&w=500&sz=12&hl=en&start=2&tbnid=p99FFGDhXindAM:&tbnh=51&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dflickr%2Blogo%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den


Volunteer ToolboxCompile Media Contact List, Register volunteer/internship match websites,

create database of names for networking opportunities


Volunteer RecruitmentRecruiting Today’s Volunteer


Gen Y: Volunteer Design

• Provide opportunities for leadership/development

• Design work that is team based• Environment must be fun and interactive• Highlight the benefit of gaining

experience/pathway to employment• Likes a high level of freedom• Want an immediate response to learning

needs


Gen Y: Recruitment Tactics

Target religious youth groups

Guidance counselors

Advertise at malls/recreation centers

Use the internet,radio,social media

Peer to peer recruitment


Example

http://www.dosomething.org/Clubs

http://www.dosomething.org/Clubs

http://www.dosomething.org/


Gen X:Volunteer Design

• Provide flexibility

• Tech centered tasks


Gen X: Recruitment Tactics

Internet

Social Media

Text Messages

Promote Work/Life Balance


Baby Boomers: Volunteer Design

• Create opportunities for mentorship

• Design and manage like paid positions

• Consider skill set and experience


Baby Boomers: Recruitment Tactics

High profile Media

Established Organizations

New skill development


Silent Generation: Volunteer Design

• Focus on skills and experience

• Create opportunities for mentorship and leadership

• Provide variety


Silent Generation: Volunteer Recruitment

• Use established networks

• Traditional media outlets


Example

http://www.getinvolved.gov/grantees/psa/index.asp

http://www.getinvolved.gov/grantees/psa/index.asp

http://www.getinvolved.gov/grantees/photos/detail.asp?tbl_gallery_id=1285

http://www.getinvolved.gov/grantees/photos/detail.asp?tbl_gallery_id=1291

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.scstc.org/images/Senior%2520Corp%2520RSVP&imgrefurl=http://www.scstc.org/RSVP&usg=__rVZZjpuZwH81FJO3ip0X4spG2qo=&h=506&w=506&sz=22&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=guspS9RsZJgaVM:&tbnh=131&tbnw=131&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsenior%2Bcorp%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den


Recruitment Principles

Ask

Be flexible

Sell the benefits

It’s not All about you

Be specific

Recruit for diversity

Be prepared

Seek quality over quantity


Barriers for Volunteers


Barriers for Volunteers

Lack of Confidence

They Don’t know you need Help

Bureaucracy

Disabilities/Special Needs

They’re not Buying It


Troubleshooting


Volunteer ToolboxBegin researching characteristics of demographic groups in your

community


Volunteer RetentionKeeping VolunteerS


StructureIdentity

PlacementTrainingSupport

MotivationReward


Provide Structure

• Volunteer job description

• Have a plan

• Written guidelines/expectations

• Be ready


Identity

• Idea of Belonging provide validation

• Create a supportive atmosphere between staff and volunteers


Volunteer Placement

1. Have a plan for the intake and processing of volunteer applications

• Forms and applications• Response time• Follow-up procedure• Database/Record Keeping

2. Interviewing the volunteer• Helps gain insight• Have a standardized interviewing process• Determine which KSAs that are needed design

questions around them


Orientations


The Orientation Should

• Make Volunteer feel welcome and at ease

• Give a good first impression

• Confirms the volunteer’s decision

• Reduce training time


Volunteer Placement: Orientation

• Develop your orientation

• Be prepared when they arrive

• Begin building a relationship

• Make them feel like partners


Sample Orientation Agenda

• Welcome• Mission, Goals of

organization• Organization History• Tour• Staff Introductions w/

overview of each department

• Organizational Culture-Policy and procedure manual

• Upcoming Events


Orientation Packet

• Organizational literature

• 2-1-1 information• Organizational chart• Map of building• Department phone list• Volunteer handbook


Volunteer Placement: Training

Anatomy of a Good Training Program

1. Build on Participant’s experience

2. Make training interactive

3. Communicate a variety of ways

4. Apply learning


Trainings Volunteers Want

How to Manage time and energy effectively

Improving skills for current role

New skills for new challenges

How to recruit and prepare future volunteers

How to work as a team with paid staff


Support

• Provide feedback

• Make time to talk

• Ask for their opinions

• Recognize burnout

• Keep in touch


Staff and Volunteers Working Together

Staff and volunteers are partners. Partners work together for a common purpose


Motivation

Must Understand what’s motivating the volunteer!


Keeping Them Engaged: Affiliation

Public relation activities

Volunteer coordinators

Support activities done in groups

Orientation of organization

Mentoring new volunteers

Social director


Keeping Them Engaged: Achievement

Public speaking

Fund raising

Program planning

Policy committees


Keeping Them Engaged: Influence

• Advocacy opportunities

• Place on board of directors

• Job assignments that allow them to teach

• Job assignment that allows them to persuade others


Reward

Volunteers want to be rewarded

Volunteers want to be recognized

Make sure the Thank You fits


If you want my loyalty, interests, and best efforts, remember that I

need….

A sense of belonging

A sense of sharing

To feel a sense of purpose

To know what is expected of me

To see progress

The Effective Management of Volunteer Programs. J. Donald Philips, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan.


Volunteer ToolboxSample Interview Form, sample volunteer application, sample training

agenda


Volunteer RecognitionCelebrating Your Volunteers


Recognition

• Must be Genuine

• Should be meaningful

• Not a one size fits all

• Have a clear process for recognition

• Get everyone involved


Make it Count

Meaningful recognition = increased satisfaction


Volunteer Recognition

•Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic

•Informal Recognition


Formal RecognitionPrograms

1. Focus should be on volunteers

2. Individual recognizing the volunteer should know him/her

3. Provide volunteer an opportunity to share their story


Celebrating Volunteers

• Saying thank you• Social events• Gifts• Be a real person• Greet them when they

arrive• Give additional

responsibilities

• Surprise with coffee and donuts

• Volunteer of the month

• Celebrate NVW• Provide scholarships • Make them feel

valued


Recognition: Power

• Nomination in area, state or national recognition program

• Appreciates titles

• Special perks

• Represent the agency


Recogintion:Affiliation

• Name in newsletter/website

• Personal notes from supervisors

• Acknowledgement in public setting

• Recognition events


Recoginition:Achievement

• Note from supervisor

• Awards/Certificates of accomplishment

• Story in newsletter that tells about their specific achievements


Volunteer ToolboxWholesaler or store that offers volunteer recognition items, assortment of

greeting cards, Software or tracking system for volunteers hours


Indicators of Successful Programs

Attraction and recruitment of new volunteers

Retention of current volunteersIncrease in volunteer productivityWord-of-mouth referrals to potential

volunteersReduced workload for regular staff


Thank You!

how to catch and keep volunteers noni mcmillian, firstlink how to catch and keep volunteers

Documents

volunteers noni mcmillian

firstlink volunteer

firstlink volunteer

firstlink volunteer

responsibilities volunteers

firstlink achievement

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