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 Overseeing the volunteer
program is one of the many responsibilities delegated to the
activity professional. The activity professional assumes this
responsibility, often with minimal training or guidance. The process of organizing and managing a corps of volunteers requires planning,
organization and monitoring. To guide the activity department
in establishing a volunteer program or upgrading a current program,
consider the following steps.....
Preparation : Before bringing in the first volunteer - the volunteer manager
should define the scope and parameter of the volunteer program.
Defining a budget for the program, establishing organizational
systems, and clear assignments of responsibility should be discussed
with administration.
Recruitment : Simply
saying "HELP!" is not an effective recruitment message.
Attracting volunteers to your center is more effective if you
establish a formal recruitment message and plan. Clearly describing
the need within your facility and how a volunteer can help is
recommended. Check out this site for recruitment
ideas.
Selection : Volunteers
should be managed similar to paid staff. A formal interview
and screening process should be implemented. Volunteers should
be placed in specific jobs, according to their motivation and
need to volunteer. Check out this site for information on screening volunteers.
Orientation and Training: A formal volunteer orientation procedure should be in place,
with an orientation checklist. Providing the volunteer with
a handbook and written guide establishes standards and ensures
a clear understanding of facility rules and restrictions. Check
out this site for training
ideas.
Motivation and Retention
: Volunteers need reinforcement for jobs completed. Ensuring
they remain satisfied with their job placement should be reviewed
during informal and formal meetings with the volunteer. Making
sure the volunteer feels comfortable and respected in their
job is essential. Check out this site for information about motivating
volunteers.
Recognition : Formal
and informal recognition should be provided consistently. In
addition to the formal recognition event your facility may host,
providing daily recognition through verbal thanks, words of encouragement, and greetings
is imperative. Check out this site for many great ideas about volunteer recognition.
Keep in mind this
final quote from an unknown source....
"Their
niceness will let you recruit a volunteer the first time,
but only your competence will let you keep them...."
Check out these
other Volunteer Links
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