|
|
|||||
|
|||||
| Path: Main Street : NewsWeek : Archive : Coffee with Cam Articles : Article |
This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek.
To find a word on the page, use your browser's "find" feature (CTRL-F
or CMD-F).
Please note: While we ensure that all links and e-mail addresses are
accurate at their publishing date, the quick-changing nature of the
web means that some links to other web sites and e-mail addresses may
no longer be accurate.
To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
A potential issue?
By Cam Tait
There is a risk of writing or talking about an issue too much. The point we're trying to make could fade away in the ink, perhaps, if we discuss it too often. But I'm going to take that calculated risk this week because sometimes it's good to take a gander at things from a different angle.
A few weeks ago, we asked if folks experience problems with volunteers backing out of an obligation at the last minute because something more appealing comes up. Out of the numerous responses we received, there was a note from Michelle, which I think, deserves mentioning - though it might spark debate.
It's about leadership volunteers, as Michelle calls them - volunteers who are involved at the senior level of an organization. "These are not 'day-of-event' volunteers," Michelle explains, "but, rather, your chairpeople and committee leads that are needed on the planning end of an event. Since I started my first not-for-profit role two months ago, I've had to recruit 50% of my leadership committee for an event that takes place in one and a half months. I have seen several of them bow out of their commitment after I have spent much time working closely with them to get them ready for their role."
Michelle's experience raises an interesting question: how are leadership volunteers recruited and maintained? "While I was searching for work, I had an opportunity to attend several presentations on volunteer development through the Association for Fundraising Professionals," Michelle continues. "There, I learned that it's important to clearly outline your expectations for the volunteer role, present the volunteer with a job description, and keep them as informed as possible about timelines and other things. I've worked very closely with my volunteers and treat them like employees from an information standpoint. I'm also very flexible with them and thank them every opportunity I can, to make them feel valued."
Still, she has senior volunteers who now say they just don't have the time, or ignore e-mails and calls asking for progress on their tasks, and sometimes, Michelle says, they ignore their tasks altogether, claiming they weren't fully aware of their responsibility. "Obviously with a paid employee there are ways of dealing with performance issues. But for a volunteer, what is the best way to deal with this, and ensure you are attracting the right, committed people in the first place?"
From my standpoint, I think it's key for volunteers at all levels - from people taking tickets at events to those who make senior decisions - to have a personal connection with what they do. There has to be. Otherwise, they're just going through the motions and really don't have a vested interest. Michelle made an interesting point when she mentioned performance issues. Performance evaluations are conducted in the workforce for employees, but perhaps there is some merit in putting a similar process in place for volunteers...if this is, indeed, an issue.
But let's get back to Michelle's main concern: keeping and attracting senior level volunteers. In my humble opinion, public relations could be the key here. When someone feels connected to a particular cause or group they will go the extra mile. Perhaps, then, if groups increase public awareness of what they do on a personal level, more people will know of the work that needs to be done. And maybe leadership volunteers need to be shown the frontline work being done by the charity. A little reminder can go a long way.
Cam Tait is a sports reporter for the Edmonton Journal. He covered charitable issues for almost 20 years. Thoughts, comments, ideas or a simple hello are welcomed at cam@charityvillage.com.
Opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CharityVillage.com®.
|
|||
