How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Volunteer Basics Today’s Volunteer Volunteer Recruitment Volunteer Retention Volunteer Recognition We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.  ~ Winston Churchill How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Toolbox How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

$19.51 per hour How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

How volunteers Can Benefit an Agency Create community involvement Increase your organization’s visibility Get more accomplished Sustain or expand number of people you serve Control or reduce your costs Respond quickly to changing needs or a crisis How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Stats 44 percent of adults volunteer 109 million Americans volunteer Rate of volunteering increases with level of education and household income Women are more likely to volunteer then men How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Why do people volunteer? Guilt To escape To gain status To give back Personal growth To gain experience To be an advocate To get out of the house Because someone asked To become an agent of chang To gain services for themselves How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

2 Way Relationship How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Trends Volunteers Want A meaningful/challenging opportunity Issue based opportunities A Professional environment A fast response Shorter volunteer assignments How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Basics How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

First Things First Conduct a needs assessment Make a list of possible volunteer positions Gather support from others in your agency Identify strengths and weaknesses (staff,facility,equipment) How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Create a Job Description Training Requirements First Things First Create a Job Description Job Title Position Overview Qualifications Responsibilities Benefits Training Requirements Contact Person How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

SAMPLE VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Develop a Policies and Procedures Manual First Things First Develop a Policies and Procedures Manual Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities Emergency Procedures/Contacts Service Delivery Procedures Standards of work and dress Training/ Probationary Period Corrective action Reasons for Dismissal Timesheets How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Example VOLUNTEER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Volunteers Have the Right to: Be extended the right to be given meaningful assignments Be treated as an equal Appropriate training and supervision Be recognized for a job well done Be kept informed through trainings, memorandums and volunteer meetings How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Toolbox Sample Volunteer Policy and procedure manual, sample volunteer job description How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Today’s Volunteer How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Generation Y Optimistic, positive and friendly Active learners Multi taskers Technology is expected Always connected (Adapted from Billings and Kiwalski,2004;Johnson & Romanell,2005) How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Generation X Tech savvy Media savvy Self reliant Adapt well to change Try and attain multiple goals at once How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

(BOOMNET: Capturing the Baby Boomer Volunteers – A Research Project) Baby Boomers Driven and dedicated Equate work with self worth Want open communication Want educational opportunities (BOOMNET: Capturing the Baby Boomer Volunteers – A Research Project) How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Silent Generation Strong regard of law, order, religion By the book People who went along and got along Value safety and security How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Research Demographics of your community Volunteer Toolbox Research Demographics of your community How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Motivators How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

McClelland’s Social Motivators Affiliation Influence Achievement McClelland’s Social Motivators How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Affiliation Holds a high belief in goals or ideals of the organization Opportunities for making friends Likes to be popular Enjoys and wants interaction Desires harmony Likes to help others Volunteer Assignments Volunteer \Coordinators PR Activities Social Committee Hospitality/Special Events Holds a high belief in goals or ideals of the organization How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK “Understanding Volunteers” Points of Light Foundation

Achievement Concerned with Setting and Meeting Personal Goals Seeks Opportunities for increased responsibility Wants Clearly stated goals Seeks Opportunities for advancement Goal Oriented Strong need for feedback Concerned with Setting and Meeting Personal Goals How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK “Understanding Volunteers” Pints of Light Foundation

Influence/Power Desire to influence or lead people and activities Likes to lead Wants interaction with top management Desires opportunity to train/teach others Wants opportunity for increased responsibility and authority Volunteer Assignment Public Speaking Fundraising Board of Directors Program/Policy development Desire to influence or lead people and activities How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Recruitment How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Recruitment Set Goals and Objectives Set your plan in motion Monitor and Track Re-direct/Re-design Be Patient How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Recruitment Message Need: What is the problem? Solution: How can the problem be solved? Fears: Will I be capable of helping? Benefits: What’s in it for me? Contact: How do I get involved? How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Need: What is the problem? How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Solution: Can this job solve it? Big Brothers Big Sisters PSA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgf8GiK-8us How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Fears: Will I be capable of helping? How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Benefits: What’s in it for me? How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Contact: How do I get involved? How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

WII-FM Creating Your Message How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Recruitment: Motivational Messages Helping Others Gaining work experience/learn new skills Stay active and involved Meet new people Make professional contacts Gain academic credit Build self confidence Use your gifts and talents Improve the community Influence/Empower Others How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Helping You Achieve Your Goals Personal/Professional Rewards Addressing the needs of the community Areas of training are listed How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Golden Rules of Recruitment Ask Be flexible Sell the benefits Volunteers have options Be specific Recruit for diversity Be Ready Quality over quantity How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Recruitment Trends in Action: Recruitment Strategy How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Trend 1: Issue Based AmeriCorp Vista Thirty-seven million Americans live in poverty. Through AmeriCorp VISTA, you can make a tangible difference. And, you’ll find the fulfillment that comes from using your knowledge and skills to help those in disadvantaged circumstances turn their dreams into reality (www.americorp.gov) How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Trend 2:Meaningful/Challenging Work Volunteer for Children's Hunger Alliance As a volunteer, you can help bridge gaps between diverse populations, build lasting relationships, offer hope, create healthier families and healthier communities and have fun too! Whether you want to make a long-term or short-term commitment, there are volunteer opportunities for everyone (Childrens Hunger Alliance,www.childrenshungeralliance.org) How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Trend 3:Shorter Assignments Tax preparation volunteers are needed during tax season, January 15 to April 15, to help low-income families claim the tax credits they're entitled to for the 2007 tax year. You can help boost a family's annual income by up to 50%! Exact dates and times vary by site based on volunteer availability. United Way of Ventura County (http://www.volunteerventuracounty.org) How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Sample marketing/recruitment materials Volunteer Toolbox Sample marketing/recruitment materials How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Recruitment Delivering Your Recruitment Message How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Getting the Word Out How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Send email alerts on a regular basis Media Press release Media contacts Send email alerts on a regular basis Become an expert or go-to person in your community Develop a relationship with your local media How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

A satisfied volunteer is the best recruiter! Existing Volunteers A satisfied volunteer is the best recruiter! How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Power in Partnerships Colleges or Universities High Schools Workforce Development Programs Vocational Rehabilitation Programs Job and Family Services-TANF Recipients Workers Compensation VISTAS Service Organizations-Kiwanis How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Match sites Volunteer Match Idealist.org Points of Light Foundation Local United Way 1-800-VOLUNTEER.org CharityAmerica.com Craig’s List Guide Star How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Internet Website Volunteer Match sites College internship/career sites Social media More comfortable form of recruitment for people How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Website Strategically place volunteer opportunities Online volunteer application Update frequently Make it easy to use How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Social Media “The future of communication” Shift in how people communicate Shift in where we get our information Real time response How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Social Media Types Blogs Social Networks Video/Photo Sharing Pod casts Groups Message Boards How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Facebook Select “friends” to connect with online Average person has 120 friends Over 175 million active users Over 18 million users update profile each day Fastest growing demo-people over 30 (facebook.com) How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toronto-ON/Toronto-Special-Events-Volunteer-Recruitment-Team/15306441484 How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Twitter Quick bits of news “tweets” Select people to “follow” 4-5 million users 5,000-10,000 new accounts are opened each day 200,000 active users per week How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Emergency Preparedness http://twitter.com/#search?q=firstlink How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Blogs Online journal Opportunity to give a new perceptive to the organization Get insight Can be updated more quickly then a website Increases traffic How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Blog http://www.wildapricot.com/blogs/newsblog/archive/2008/03/25/recruit-new-volunteers-online-and-celebrate-volunteer-week-2008.aspx How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

You Tube Allows people to upload videos You can share or comment on the videos Every minute, ten hours of video is uploaded 51% of users visit the site on a weekly basis (www.youtube.com) How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxT-jF5x_os How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Using Social Media Effectively Count the Costs Build what you can manage Find the best platform Have a plan of action How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Toolbox Compile Media Contact List, Register volunteer/internship match websites, create database of names for networking opportunities How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Recruitment Recruiting Today’s Volunteer How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Gen Y: Volunteer Design Provide opportunities for leadership/development Design work that is team based Environment must be fun and interactive Highlight the benefit of gaining experience/pathway to employment Likes a high level of freedom Want an immediate response to learning needs How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Gen Y: Recruitment Tactics Target religious youth groups Guidance counselors Advertise at malls/recreation centers Use the internet,radio,social media Peer to peer recruitment How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Example http://www.dosomething.org/Clubs How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Gen X:Volunteer Design Provide flexibility Tech centered tasks How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Gen X: Recruitment Tactics Internet Social Media Text Messages Promote Work/Life Balance How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Baby Boomers: Volunteer Design Create opportunities for mentorship Design and manage like paid positions Consider skill set and experience How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Baby Boomers: Recruitment Tactics High profile Media Established Organizations New skill development How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Silent Generation: Volunteer Design Focus on skills and experience Create opportunities for mentorship and leadership Provide variety How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Silent Generation: Volunteer Recruitment Use established networks Traditional media outlets How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Example http://www.getinvolved.gov/grantees/psa/index.asp How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Recruitment Principles Ask Be flexible Sell the benefits It’s not All about you Be specific Recruit for diversity Be prepared Seek quality over quantity How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Barriers for Volunteers How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Barriers for Volunteers Lack of Confidence They Don’t know you need Help Bureaucracy Disabilities/Special Needs They’re not Buying It How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Troubleshooting How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Toolbox Begin researching characteristics of demographic groups in your community How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Retention Keeping VolunteerS How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Structure Identity Placement Training Support Motivation Reward How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Provide Structure Volunteer job description Have a plan Written guidelines/expectations Be ready How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Identity Idea of Belonging provide validation Create a supportive atmosphere between staff and volunteers How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Placement Have a plan for the intake and processing of volunteer applications Forms and applications Response time Follow-up procedure Database/Record Keeping 2. Interviewing the volunteer Helps gain insight Have a standardized interviewing process Determine which KSAs that are needed design questions around them How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Orientations How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

The Orientation Should Make Volunteer feel welcome and at ease Give a good first impression Confirms the volunteer’s decision Reduce training time How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Placement: Orientation Develop your orientation Be prepared when they arrive Begin building a relationship Make them feel like partners How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Sample Orientation Agenda Welcome Mission, Goals of organization Organization History Tour Staff Introductions w/ overview of each department Organizational Culture-Policy and procedure manual Upcoming Events How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Orientation Packet Organizational literature 2-1-1 information Organizational chart Map of building Department phone list Volunteer handbook How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Placement: Training Anatomy of a Good Training Program Build on Participant’s experience Make training interactive Communicate a variety of ways Apply learning How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Trainings Volunteers Want How to Manage time and energy effectively Improving skills for current role New skills for new challenges How to recruit and prepare future volunteers How to work as a team with paid staff How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Support Provide feedback Make time to talk Ask for their opinions Recognize burnout Keep in touch How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Staff and Volunteers Working Together Staff and volunteers are partners. Partners work together for a common purpose How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Must Understand what’s motivating the volunteer! Motivation Must Understand what’s motivating the volunteer! How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Keeping Them Engaged: Affiliation Public relation activities Volunteer coordinators Support activities done in groups Orientation of organization Mentoring new volunteers Social director How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Keeping Them Engaged: Achievement Public speaking Fund raising Program planning Policy committees How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Keeping Them Engaged: Influence Advocacy opportunities Place on board of directors Job assignments that allow them to teach Job assignment that allows them to persuade others How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Reward Volunteers want to be rewarded Volunteers want to be recognized Make sure the Thank You fits How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

If you want my loyalty, interests, and best efforts, remember that I need…. A sense of belonging A sense of sharing To feel a sense of purpose To know what is expected of me To see progress The Effective Management of Volunteer Programs. J. Donald Philips, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan. How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Toolbox Sample Interview Form, sample volunteer application, sample training agenda How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Recognition Celebrating Your Volunteers How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Recognition Must be Genuine Should be meaningful Not a one size fits all Have a clear process for recognition Get everyone involved How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Meaningful recognition = increased satisfaction Make it Count Meaningful recognition = increased satisfaction How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Recognition Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Informal Recognition How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Formal Recognition Programs Focus should be on volunteers Individual recognizing the volunteer should know him/her Provide volunteer an opportunity to share their story How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Celebrating Volunteers Saying thank you Social events Gifts Be a real person Greet them when they arrive Give additional responsibilities Surprise with coffee and donuts Volunteer of the month Celebrate NVW Provide scholarships Make them feel valued How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Recognition: Power Nomination in area, state or national recognition program Appreciates titles Special perks Represent the agency How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Recogintion:Affiliation Name in newsletter/website Personal notes from supervisors Acknowledgement in public setting Recognition events How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Recoginition:Achievement Note from supervisor Awards/Certificates of accomplishment Story in newsletter that tells about their specific achievements How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Volunteer Toolbox Wholesaler or store that offers volunteer recognition items, assortment of greeting cards, Software or tracking system for volunteers hours How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Indicators of Successful Programs Attraction and recruitment of new volunteers Retention of current volunteers Increase in volunteer productivity Word-of-mouth referrals to potential volunteers Reduced workload for regular staff How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK

Thank You! How to Catch and Keep Volunteers Noni McMillian, FIRSTLINK