Tis the season....the season of giving is almost upon us. I encourage you this year to give your time rather than money. So many churches, schools, and non-profits thrive on volunteer time and attention, especially this time of year. Volunteers are so important to an organization's existence but so many people do not know how to deal with volunteers or be a volunteer themselves.
I have worked a number of years as a Volunteer Coordinator, assembling and managing thousands of volunteers to implement a variety of projects. As you will be organizing a project at church or school for the upcoming Holiday season, recognize that these tips in dealing with volunteers will go a long way.
Treat your volunteers like gold as they are the backbone that can make or break an organization. Volunteers are giving their free time to help you, time that could be used doing something else, and so do not treat them like they are low on the totem pole. Try to make the best of their time by having things ready for them and do not waste their time waiting around. If a glitch is possible, have a back up plan or another project nearby. Make the experience fun so that they will want to return again and again. Offer rewards, challenges, or games with direct goals in mind for the completion of the project. A well-executed check-in and reporting system is one aspect of doing that. Good, clean, and safe facilities with available parking is another. Recognize and apply volunteers to tasks and skills they enjoy and excel at. Believe it or not, I have tactfully fired a few volunteers over the years because they made the experience miserable for the others around them. If a volunteer is not a people person, why would you put them on phones? The bottom line is do not expect a volunteer to give their free time doing something you would not do. As a rule of thumb, I always tried to immerse myself in the project before the volunteers tackled it themselves. This will help you discern questions the volunteers will be asking and realize ways of doing it more efficiently. These are the tips that I have found that have worked for me time and time again.
On the flip side, how do you become a volunteer? Usually volunteers are recruited by a great marketing campaign for organization. However, did you know that you can search your local United Way for volunteer opportunities involving things you enjoy or your hobbies? Perhaps you like kids, the Boys and Girls Club provides occasions of mentoring while the local Food Pantry/Bank or Salvation Army may fulfill your desires to work with the poor and needy. I have also heard of an avid scrapbooker doing albums for those in hospice and a hunter donating deer meat to a local meal site. Then do not forget the mechanics who love working on cars fix them up and give them to people who need wheels. This time of year, you will find specific holiday needs at your church or charities like Operation Christmas Child or Toys for Tots.
The best way to get hooked up (as I call it) is to call the person organizing the project. Tell them politely what you are interested in doing and that you thought they needed volunteers. If this is a long-term commitment, do not be afraid to ask about shadowing an event or project or visiting the facility to experience the mission firsthand. Once a time is set up to volunteer, try to fulfill your time commitment. At least give 24 hours notice cancelling so that the planner can refill your spot or change the project accordingly. Do the best of your ability, not leaving half-hearted work. Perhaps you see another need you would like to fill and so talk to the coordinator to see if that is a fit for both of you.
Volunteering can offer so many benefits to both you and the organization. Not only is the mission being fulfilled at the organization but you experience a satisfied accomplishment doing something good. After all, that is what God calls us to do, right, use our skills, interests, and time to help others? I guess I better start looking for a place to help this season. Will you join me?
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