WOS Volunteer Development Newsletters

This Issue: March, 2005

Would You Volunteer For You?

During the last couple of months, I have had requests to do some research and issue a newsletter on the proper way to treat our volunteers.

During my research, it became quite apparent that there are no set rules or policies when it comes to proper etiquette for treating volunteers. The most important thing I discovered in treating volunteers is to “treat them the way you would like to be treated”. (GOLDEN RULE: Do unto them as you would have them do unto you!!)

One statement and/or question comes to mind. “Would you volunteer for you?” A very powerful statement and a very important question!!

Sometimes, we just need to take a few minutes, sit back and remember and review the following hints. After all, we want to make a new volunteer’s experience memorable and encourage them to want to come back.

Stop and give some thought to your own past volunteer experiences.
- what made them special
- why you enjoyed them
- most importantly – why you continue to volunteer
It’s pretty incredible to think about how much you learned through those “on the job training sessions” you were receiving without even realizing it.
Treat volunteers with respect, good humour and gratitude – they deserve it.
Give them the opportunity to discover their leadership skills – allowing them to use their skills show them that you have complete confidence in them to finish the job that they have been assigned.
Remember, 99% of volunteers are working for emotional satisfaction rather than for money.
Always make sure that you make your volunteers feel they are appreciated and that you appreciate their work - a small “thank-you” goes a long way…!
Without even being aware particularly when we are extremely busy, we can begin to take our volunteers, especially the ones who have been with us longest and do their jobs effortlessly, for granted – be very careful that this isn’t happening.
Continually offer your volunteers the opportunity to grow – some people may be too shy to ask for a more difficult project or do not realize their own potential – you will be giving them a chance to take pride in learning new skills as well as giving them further development of existing skills.
Volunteering is a great growth experience because you have given the individual an opportunity to grow within or slightly outside their comfort zone by taking the task at hand and completing it to the best of their ability.

Regardless of whether you are a board member dealing with volunteers, or a volunteer dealing with fellow volunteers or one board member dealing with another board member, simply remember to treat these people as your equal and with respect. Giving these volunteers your continued appreciation and encouragement is a great way to keep them coming back.

Treating volunteers properly is a gesture that wraps its arms around everyone with appreciation and thoughtfulness.

I do look forward to hearing from you and I do welcome suggestions for future topics. Please e-mail me anytime at vaneng@golden.net.

By Brenda VanEngelen, WO Director of Volunteer Development