The tools in this book are for making happy volunteers and happy nonprofits an achievable goal.
When people are happy, they are committed and feel a sense of responsibility; they will give you more than you ask. This book is for those who are creating new volunteer programs, and also for those who have volunteer programs that need improvement.
The topics discussed in this book are important to me. I have experience with great volunteer programs and also ones that can use some help.
The best program I helped manage, consisted of many volunteers who maintained a regular schedule for years. It was impressive to see how loyal they were, and it became clear that the organization treated them just as kindly.
Some nonprofits have to keep recruiting more volunteers all of the time. This is because: many of their volunteers do not sign up consistently, they feel they are not valued, or they do not feel like they are making a difference. From my consultations with many different NPO’s, I have noticed how staff communicates with their volunteers is a big factor in volunteer retention and satisfaction.
I’m already confident you’re ambitious enough to start a successful volunteer program. Many at first assume if we just ask people to volunteer, we will get them! However, getting talented volunteers to stay with your nonprofit requires a strategy. While they save billions of dollars in labor, one-third of volunteers don’t continue to sign up: this means constant recruitment of new volunteers.
What makes volunteers great?
(Besides free labor.)
How your program contributes to society:
You are providing friends, work experience, school credit, and a sense of generosity to your volunteer staff. Volunteering is as rewarding for the volunteers as it is for those they serve.
Why do volunteers quit?
They don’t feel they are contributing.
They think you are unorganized.
We can change those misconceptions.
It is important to start off on the right foot.
Be sure volunteers know their role and expectations within the first interview and orientation. Make them confident that they will get a great experience working with you. Listen to what they want from you and then give them great instructions so they know what you want from them.
Be willing to welcome new ideas. I have worked with many nonprofits that do not value feedback from volunteers. This is not helpful. With many advisors, we find success. Let volunteers be creative and even learn new skills or use their professional experience. Give them confidence by considering their suggestions. Weigh if they suggestions are a good return on your investment and if they work with your mission statement.
How to politely disagree:
If you don't like a volunteer’s suggestion, let them know nicely why it does not work. Be sure volunteers know that you want to continue talking to them about ideas that might make their suggestion work in the future.
Create confidence:
You don’t want to give “busy work” to someone who is motivated to learn. Allow creativity to flourish even in the most basic tasks. Let them know how their work makes a difference.
Now that you know a few basics, let’s get started on your volunteer program...