Hey, I am Just a Volunteer! January 2013

Introduction. The National Member Services Committee has developed a series of National Education Seminars to help our Lodges run more effectively. A number of sessions are available ranging from meeting management to public relations. Just contact the National office for more information ( ).

Topics of Discussion. Understanding what motivates a Volunteer. Do we really need Volunteers? Can we fire a Volunteer? What a Volunteer needs to know to do their job.

Reasons for Volunteering. Most of us have the same basic reason for volunteering - “to help”. Helping makes us feel good and feeling good is a basic need common to all humans. We volunteer to make ourselves feel good! Give Volunteers what they “need”. Give them recognition and praise for their efforts. If we don’t fulfil their “needs” they will find another organization that will.

Another Survey!!!!! Yes, another survey. If you want to find out what someone is thinking, just ask. Have your members fill out a Lodge Membership Survey. Samples are available from the national office, or alternatively on our website at canada.org/resource-center/pr-tool-kit The survey will tell you whether your members “needs” are being met. If not you better change the way you do things. Include a section for the members to list hobbies and interests. Pay attention to their interests.

The Good and the Bad About Being a Volunteer. Being able to work for nothing and loving it. Developing your skills in areas like finances, meeting management, and public speaking. Developing business contacts. Establishing a track record of volunteer service. Great for the resume! Feeling good about yourself and the contribution you make to society.

Can we fire a Volunteer? Yes. It’s tough to fire someone you don’t pay, but Volunteers are accountable. If the role they take on is properly explained to them the Volunteer accepts the commitment of the position. They should be held to this commitment. If they are not doing the job, remind them what their duties are. If they don’t respond, ask them to step down and let someone else take over.

Choosing the right Volunteer. In your Lodge do you always give the job to the member who brought up the idea? And you wonder why no one wants to come up with new ideas! Fit the person to the job. Consider their abilities and most importantly their interests. Break up the jobs. Don’t make a position become a life sentence.

What the Volunteer needs to know. Provide the Volunteer information about the position they are accepting. Use the resource material available from the national office, Be honest about how much time they will need to commit. Outline the duties. If they agree, hold them to it.

Recap. People volunteer to make themselves feel good. We need to take care of our Volunteers and reward them whenever possible. Learn more about your Volunteers. Find out what interests them. Explain the duties - get a commitment - and hold them to it.

Putting it into Action. Send out a Lodge membership survey to your members. Find out what their “needs” are and then set up a plan to fulfil those “needs”. Make it a practice to train your Volunteers before they accept positions. Hold your volunteers accountable.