How to Attract, Involve and Retain Volunteers
The person who finds and coordinates volunteers is sometimes a volunteer herself, or might be a paid staff-person. In either case, it can be a challenging role. Volunteers tend to come and go more quickly than paid staff. Each volunteer has their own goals, skills, schedule, and expectations to consider. But volunteer coordination can also be very satisfying, both in terms of the work that's accomplished, and the positive experiences for all concerned.
Effectively managing staff and volunteers is at least as important as the goal/task at hand. If someone has a bad experience, they may never again support, volunteer, or speak well of your group to others. Working effectively with volunteers can take some skill and practice. Below are some articles and resources that could help get you on the right path.
Volunteer Management Tips & Resources
• Write a volunteer job description: Write a volunteer job description
• Volunteer Management Tips, Suggestions, Handbooks, Resources: Volunteer Management Tips | Volunteer Coordinator Tips | Volunteer Management Handbook | Evergreen Nature Stewardship Volunteer Handbook | BC Invasive Species | How to get volunteers to show up?
• Volunteer Engagement articles & resources | (more)
• Human
Resources & Volunteer Management links (from the Sustainability Network)
• Leadership, Teamwork, Group Process, Consensus
• Check-ins, Talking Circles, Listening Circles (for volunteers and paid staff alike)
• More – Google Directory sections on Volunteer
Management | Volunteering
• Google search for "volunteer
management"
• Google Directory section on Human
Resources Management