Volunteer2 keeps growing
November 1, 2004
By Cam Tait
BURLINGTON, ON // Tony Goodrow is a busy man. He's a Rotarian and is
involved with a variety of committees. This year, he will be managing
the volunteers for the club's largest event. And then there's a very
interesting project: Volunteer2.
"I oversee the strategic planning of the software development and work directly with volunteer agencies and volunteer centres to promote a higher standard of volunteer management and communications," he says in an e-mail. "Regardless of the situation I am in, I am highly motivated when my efforts make a difference. Given the impact that a volunteer can have, there's a great deal of personal satisfaction in my role as a volunteer and in my professional role with Volunteer2."
The biggest challenge at Volunteer2, says Tony, is educating the vast
number of people who manage volunteers, some of whom are, of course,
volunteers themselves. "There's so much that can be accomplished with
the implementation of current technology, but advances come so quickly
that it's a challenge for organizations to keep up with the possibilities."
Volunteer2 just launched a new version of their software suite. They
have clients across North America, a few in South America, and even
as far away as New Zealand. Plans are well underway to publish the software
in French and Spanish, making it the first multiple language software
of its kind.
Still, the greatest success comes down to people and communication, says Tony.
"Between your staff, your board, and your volunteer pool, ensure that you have a diverse set of talents at your fingertips. What is a huge challenge for some people can be accomplished very easily by others. Make a conscious effort not to exclude people who presently have no experience in your particular sector. The combination of experience and new blood in an organization will serve it well to overcome challenges."
For charities, attracting new donors can be a business-like approach
with loyalty, he thinks. "When it comes to converting today's youth
into the donors and volunteers of tomorrow, this point cannot be understated.
People entering high school today have not known the world without the
Internet. For many of today's youth and adults, the Internet is not
only an option for communications, research, and personal management;
it is the preferred method. Consider the growth of online banking as
an example of the effect that this technology has had in the way in
which we conduct our lives."
And on how to thank people: "Whenever possible, the message of thanks should come, directly or indirectly, from those benefiting by the efforts of the volunteer. While respecting the confidentiality and privacy of an agency's clients, excerpts of letters or cards of thanks should be passed on to all volunteers who contributed to the services involved. This is particularly helpful in motivating behind-the-lines volunteers such as administrative volunteers, fundraisers, and board members, as these volunteers don't get the opportunity for front-line 'thank-yous'."
Do you know someone who deserves to be in the Charity Village Spotlight? Send us their name, telephone number and details about their community involvement to cam@charityvillage.com.
