Munster GAA – ‘Club Voice Day’

November 7th 2009

Volunteers are the life and soul of every GAA club.

The GAA in unrivalled in terms of the number of volunteers that provide endless hours of service to run the association’s many GAA clubs.

GAA Volunteers feel valued and have a sense of pride that they have contributed to their Club.

1. Because they were asked2. To do something that they love doing3. To keep busy4. To make new friends5. Because their children are involved6. To give something back to the Association7. To be involved in a successful club/organisation8. Tradition of involvement in the family

It is important to be aware of these reasons.

1. They were not asked2. They don’t have time due to work and family pressure3. They feel that they don’t have the necessary skills4. Fear of a heavy workload5. Fear that once they get involved, they will be involvedforever6. They don’t know anything about the club/organisation7. They don’t have any confidence in the club/organisation

These are important as it only takes a small gesture to encourage a person to remain as a volunteer.

1. They feel valued2. They feel their contribution is respected3. They feel part of the group and do not feel excluded from decision making4. They feel a sense of pride that they have contributed to the club

The best way to ensure continued volunteering in the Club is to retain those already involved.

The best way to retain existing volunteers is to appreciate and acknowledge what ever they do, no matter how small their contribution is.

The positive stories of existing volunteers will help in attracting new volunteers.

Club Image is key to success.

The Club must have a positive image in the local community.

Club must be seen as open, vibrant and welcoming to all.

People want to be part of a Club that is positive and well managed.

People like to have confidence in the Club and know it has a future.

Good external communication needed to build a positive image.

The importance of a job description - People like to know what they are getting into.

Approaching New Volunteers:

The first thing to do is ASK them to get involved

Give them specific tasks and a job description

Assure them of back-up and support

Some parents will have a GAA background and others will not.

If parents see their children enjoying their involvement in a safe environment, they are more likely to get involved.

A few steps to getting parents involved:Introduce them to the Club and existing volunteersInvite parents to juvenile coaching sessions and gamesInvite them to a social eventKeep them well informed on all Club activities

Be organised – people want their time to be productive

Be welcoming – everyone can play a role no matter how small

Encourage people – make people feel they are making a valuable contribution

Recognise and praise effort – a simple ‘Thank You’

Keep volunteers well informed of the Club’s progress

The 3 R’s - RecruitmentRespectRetain

Is it well managed / structured?

Has it a good image / well respected?

Is it active / interesting / welcoming?

Is it fair to everyone?

Is it forward thinking?

Is there positive and enjoyable involvement for children / youth players?

Once Volunteers are willing to help we should remember the following:

Bring them along and formally introduce them to the ClubLet them know how things workBe clear and specific about what you want them to doAvoid over-loading themMake sure they feel part of a teamProvide them with support – Mentor them

Give them varietyProvide trainingConstantly acknowledge Volunteers

What can we do to ensure current volunteers feel valued?

How can we run our activities more efficiently to encourage involvement from volunteers?

How can we develop a better relationship with current/past players to encourage them to become volunteers?

How can we change Club structures to encourage more delegation?

How can we make all volunteers more valued in our Club?

Name 3 initiatives to attract and retain high quality volunteers in your Club?