Volunteers are a huge part of the Rescue Mission; both the services we provide and our ability to be most efficient in delivering services for maximum impact on the dollar. Last year we had over 6000 volunteers serve at the Rescue Mission, so you have some idea how important it is to us.
Our goal is to make the experience a great and meaningful one for the volunteer, every time. From the easy sign up (online), to orientation (courteous and knowledgeable staff) to the serving experience (clear expectations).
The challenge for us and for other non-profits is that leading a volunteer revolution is trickier than managing paid staff. With a paid staff there is a clear contractural arrangement and both sides usually understand how the system works. But with volunteers, they’re doing you a favor and have limited time and sometimes limited expertise in the area of service.
How can leaders raise the level of leadership to make volunteerism work?
1. Listen. You need to know why a volunteer is serving. People have different motives and needs that must be understood to properly manage, encourage and thank the volunteer. Some volunteer for spiritual reason, others to stay busy in retirement, some as a group or family event, others because they’re passionate about the cause. It makes a difference why.
2. Talk. You need to provide inspiration, explanation and verbal gratitude and encouragement to the volunteers. It can’t be taken for granted, you need to say it out loud.
3. Challenge. It seems counterintuitive, but volunteers want to be given meaningful responsibility and tasks. There is nothing more painful than two hours of standing around waiting for work. Be prepared to give volunteers work that means something. They’ll be grateful.
What are some other ways you can effectively lead volunteers?
David Curry
