Volunteer Jackson Hole was established to promote volunteerism in Jackson Hole. Promoting volunteerism includes creating a positive experience for volunteers, so they will be excited to volunteer with your organization in the future. Here are a few tips and online volunteer management resources that should help.
Tips to be a Great Place to Volunteer
Be Ready
Ensure that your volunteer will have all supplies and a clean workspace before they arrive. Have work ready for them when they arrive, they do not want to stand around.
Make volunteers feel welcome
While most volunteers are excited to get started, they also want to feel welcome. Offer a tour of the office or work area; offer coffee and make water available and do not forget to let them know how excited you are that they are here to volunteer.
Introduce volunteers to other staff members
Part of feeling comfortable in a new place means knowing a few names. Casually introduce your volunteers to co-workers and other volunteers before engaging them in their volunteer opportunity.
Set expectations
Be clear with your volunteers about what is expected of them. Tell them what you need accomplished and act as a resource should they have questions or concerns.
Train
Remember, they found you and want to contribute their time to your organization. Make sure they have the tools necessary to succeed.
Give them a purpose
Be realistic when assigning tasks to volunteers. No one wants to stand around because there isn't enough work to be done. If it looks like volunteers are idle, either send a few home, or think of a new project they can work on instead.
Be honest
Don't be afraid to tell your volunteers exactly what your organization needs.
Create ground rules
Volunteers need to adhere to general organizational policies. Relate any important rules or guidelines before your volunteers get started.
Set time parameters for service
Most people have a busy schedule and volunteers are no exception. Let your volunteers know how long their help will be needed so they can plan their day accordingly.
Show appreciation
Congratulate your volunteers on a job well done. Sometimes a simple gesture of thanks is sufficient. For volunteers who contribute their time consistently or have made a strong impact on your organization, consider giving them a card or small token of your appreciation.
Volunteer Management Resources
ServiceLeader.org
Pprovides information on all aspects of volunteer management, including getting your organization ready to involve volunteers, volunteer screening, matching, record-keeping and evaluation, legal issues/risk management, volunteer/staff relations, online activism by volunteers, and volunteer management software.
Energize Inc.
This online library includes selected articles from print sources, excerpts from books in our online bookstore, and complete electronic books available for free. We also provide links to Websites containing collections of materials or statistics on volunteering.
Court Appointed Special Advocate Association
The mission of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, together with its state and local members, is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes.
The Volunteer Management Certificate Program
The Volunteer Management Certificate Program (VMCP) is a four-course online training program that focuses on practical real-life learning exercise and provides "basic training" for managers of volunteers in the following key areas; recruiting, training, supervision and evaluation and recognition.
