Ways to Make Volunteers Feel Important
Volunteer workers are the heart of many nonprofit organizations. In a job that does not pay, exactly what is the motivation for them to work? Answering this question will help nonprofit companies keep their volunteers enthusiastic about the work that they are doing. Assigning volunteers to perform jobs that best suit their interests and expertise is another way to keep them engaged in the effort to grow the organization. Providing recognition for a job well done is another important part of keeping a strong volunteer workforce. Allowing the volunteer staff to experience firsthand the effect that they are having on the community is a wonderful way to show them that they are needed and important. Make an effort to show each volunteer that he/she is a valuable part of the organization presently and into the future. Finally, personally show volunteers that you are grateful for their contributions.
Why do people volunteer their time, money, and expertise?
There are several reasons that people decide to do volunteer work. Many volunteer staff members work to provide services for a specific cause because of a hardship, which they experienced. Others feel that they have been blessed so much so, that they want to pass those blessings on to others that are less fortunate. Finding out why a person decided to become a volunteer will provide you with some insight on how to keep that person involved in the organization. For instance, a staff member that volunteers because they have experienced a hardship may be able to inspire others to volunteer by telling their story. While a person that is, looking to pass blessings on to another person might be motivated to keep volunteering their services if they can see the effect that their hard work is having on the community.
Explore the interests and expertise of each volunteer.
Taking time to get to know each volunteer personally can help you to put them in a position that will benefit the organization and the volunteer. A student just out of law school could be a great help in the legal department. This would be a great learning experience for the student and would provide the organization with a fresh legal outlook on certain projects. Whereas a certified plumber might do better in a hands-on position within the organization such as helping to build a house for Habitat for Humanity or providing plumbing services for senior citizens. When you can place a volunteer in a position of service that is going to utilize their strengths then they will take less time and provide expert services.
Recognize hard work!
Although most volunteers do not expect rewards, it is important that you acknowledge a job well done. A simple “Thank you” can let the volunteer staff know that you appreciate their efforts. Remember that they are giving precious time that they could be spending with their family and friends. It is so easy and inexpensive to make recognition of service certificates on your computer. They make wonderful gifts to your volunteers. You could even have an informal banquet to raise money for the organization and award the certificates to the amazing people that keep your organization running at that point.
Let volunteers see the fruits of their labors! The easiest method to keep a volunteer is to show them how their service has helped another person. Working as a drug counselor can be very emotionally draining and easily lead the volunteer to become burnt out and quit. However, if the volunteer is able to see that, they are having an effect on the lives of other individuals; it may inspire them to keep volunteering. Letting the people that have volunteered to build a home for Habitat for Humanity be there when the family gets the keys to their new home, can be inspirtional.
Allow volunteers to have input on the future of the nonprofit organization.
Many people love to feel that they had an input in the decisions made by the organization for which they provided volunteer services. Getting fresh ideas from people working on the front lines of the organization is priceless. Most of the time, staff has wonderful ideas and can help with plans to make their thoughts and ideas a reality. When volunteers are a part of the decision making process within an organization, they feel as though they are a vital part of the process.
Personally thank all of your volunteer staff members!
This is the most important step in the process of creating a dedicated volunteer staff. Take the time and personally thank each of the workers for their contributions. If the organization is nationwide, a simple letter of thanks or videotaped thank you will do. Just make sure you say thank you somehow.
Remember the six steps to creating a volunteer staff that is interested and engaged in the organization. Help each member understand that he/she is a vital part of the community within your organization. Be certain that each volunteer knows the benefit that he/she is providing. Let the volunteers have say in the future of the organization. Following these simple steps will supply you with a wonderful group of volunteers that feel as though they are an important part of the organization.
References:
http://www.helium.com/items/1174807-what-to-give-a-volunteer
http://www.helium.com/items/2128167-benefits-of-volunteer-work
