HOW TO SUSTAIN PRODUCTIVE VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer Management

Retention can only be defined in relation to the commitment

How clear are you in clarifying and obtaining each volunteer’s initial commitment?

-It is essential for the briefing to include the volunteers effect on the surrounding community and how long lasting it will be.

Retention is an outcome, not a task

No matter how good you are, you can’t keep everyone forever

There will always be factors outside your control – “life” happens

But do you have realistic expectations? Today’s volunteer In the context of society today

Be Realistic

Assess the volunteer role How many options do you offer? Are you sure you can’t be more flexible? Being “open-ended” is scary!

Tell the truth during recruitment – don’t minimize the work or the time needed

Starting on the Right Foot

Briefing of Community

If possible have a detailed bio of the homeowner ready to hand out to volunteers

If possible have available statistics about the community, its needs, and RT’s role in improving its way of life

If possible have available fact sheet of your affiliates achievements to show that the volunteer has chosen a worthy organization

Remember..

By definition, volunteers do their work for you on a limited, part-time basis – you are not their priority

This is a recreational activity – if it isn’t fun at some level, volunteers won’t do it

It is hard to maintain enthusiasm alone in the field

Volunteer Waiver Form/ Media Release

House Captain Manual

Acknowledge volunteers in a timely manner

On site safety briefing: posters, have safety manual

Minimum Standards

Best Practices

Safety Coordinator for all projects - work with key volunteer for each site

Capture contact info, up to date database

Tie in with individual donor campaign, already know program

Word from RT Denver

Mary Brook sharing her experiences

Word from RT Peninsula

Lily Abt sharing her experiences having worked on developing the volunteer management program for office and warehouse volunteers.

 RT affiliate also has a lot of great practices for on-site volunteers

Word from NARI

Gwen Biasi, Director of Marketing and Communications for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Sharing on the Volunteer Experience for skilled trades volunteers

Q & A

A time to ask panelists questions about their experiences with volunteer management.

Covert Messages

The way phone messages are taken (if they are)

The speed of response to e-mails

The timing of information

Whether Web site is updated

Thanking people for longevity rather than impact

Encourage Volunteers to help each other

Team leaders

Buddy systems

Local clusters

Online discussion groups

Conference calls

Volunteers will remain committed to RT if:

Acknowledge the sacrifice these particular folks make to volunteer with us

The work they are doing is visibly meaningful

They feel appreciated for their service

They enjoy it.

While Volunteers are on site

Take and use photographs all the time

Develop a “Volunteer Victory” alert

Keep a testimonial and comment log

Ongoing, daily appreciation – and smiling – really have an effect

Recognition Ideas

Thanks for “Raisin” all those funds

Thank you posters by children or family members of homeowner

Volunteer Caring Kit

Send a note to the volunteer’s employer

Photo gift: “Thanks for being part of our past, present and future!”

Plant a tree in the name of the company or association at the home

Event

If possible have a signature event where possible donors and volunteers from the year can come together

Shows that affiliate cares about monetary support as well as manual support

Stay Connected

Keep past volunteers updated

We rely on returning volunteers

Give them a good experience the first time and they will keep coming back for more!

Skilled Market Value

1. Total Number of Unskilled Volunteers-

2. Total Number of Skilled Volunteers-

3. Total Number of Unskilled Volunteer Hours- _ x $19.51 per hour

4. Total Number of Skilled Volunteers Hours- _ x $60.00 per hour(Or going rate in your area) 5. Total Market Value for Volunteer Labor- _(add rows 3 and 4)

http://www.independentsector.org/media/20080410_volunteer_time.html

Questions?