Volunteering Study: Emerging ideas

Segment 3

A-     Meeting the needs of volunteers

a.       Boomers value new experiences. If new experiences can be a genuine part of volunteer opportunities, they may add their strength. Eg. VolunTourism & Cross-National Volunteerism lends itself well to Mission Trips. CBMin’s “CBV”, CBOQ opportunities need to be among our first choices.

B-      Equipping volunteers

a.       To teach skills, and reward volunteers can we offer them opportunity to attend workshops available at Assembly, or elsewhere? This may require small financial aid.

b.      Local workshop resources need to be investigated, eg, through United Way.

c.       We should be prepared to document skills the volunteers acquire, to aid them in other ways – such as employment applications.

d.      Example from Charity Village: Librarian, Ellis Foundation
Created a library that specialized in volunteer management and board development for the Ellis Foundation and its affiliate members. Created a computerized catalog of all materials, indexed and cross-referenced material, and developed circulation procedures. Developed an annual project budget. Researched materials and recommended new additions. Wrote monthly book reviews for affiliate newsletter. Supervised all local and out of state circulation of materials.

1.       Interpersonal skills: listening, counseling, collaborating, teamwork, negotiating

2.       Educational skills: teaching, advising, coaching, facilitating

3.       Communication skills: interviewing, editing, writing, public speaking, summarizing

4.       Creative skills: expressive, designing, drafting, innovative

5.       Analytical skills: observing, reasoning, assessing, analyzing, evaluating

6.       Problem solving skills: researching, organizing, clarifying, reviewing

7.       Leadership skills: initiating, managing, planning, motivating, recruiting, leading, promoting

8.       Management skills: delegating, supervising, hiring, implementing, scheduling, directing

9.       Technical skills: programming, computing, record keeping, systematizing, accounting

C-      Retaining volunteers

a.       Retention of volunteers also needs some attention.

b.      Top Ten Strategies[i]

·         Understand and meet people’s needs

·         Be a matchmaker

·         Set people up for success

·         See volunteers as customers

·         Designate a volunteer resource professional

·         Maintain a positive organizational climate

·         Welcome diversity

·         Be flexible

·         Don’t burn people out

·         Recognize contributions

Possible Action

1.       Identify 1 mission/experience within the CBOQ geographical area, affiliated with CBOQ, as a test opportunity.