Greetings Ya'all!
Being a super small non profit organization, my volunteer needs are a bit different than a mid size or larger. However, the needs of the volunteers are the same. Whether you are a rabbit rescue, a dog rescue a children's charity or any other type of non profit. We are all asking our volunteers to give us their time, effort and expertise and give it to us for free-we aren't paying them. So, what are we going to give them? Hopefully this is a question that has been mulled over in your organization, if not, it really should be.
One thing I try to do for my volunteers as I meet them is to ask them what their long and short term goals are in regard to volunteering. What do they wish to get out of this experience? Some may wish to get work experience and references, this is totally doable, while another may someday wish to open their own rescue, again, this is something I can help with. Still others have many varied other reasons for being here and I want to make sure they are getting their needs met as a way to make sure my rescue continues to get it's needs met. This is the currency in which I deal. The best part of doing things this way, if done well is, these volunteers will be less likely to feel like I am using them as I am working to create a symbiosis.
If managed incorrectly volunteers can begin to feel used and disillusioned with an organization and this is not what anyone wants. I have heard it said that people will stay because they are tied to the mission, if they feel strongly enough they will continue. While some may stay, most will move on as no one likes to feel used. To me, this is a pretty flimsy way to try and hold onto volunteers. Just my opinion.
Another thing to keep in mind is, volunteering in a small non profit is not a growth industry. It isn't like you can get a pay raise, move up any ladder. Really, you can do some projects, get on the board and that is where you cap out. Once that has been done there isn't really much further you can go. So, again, it is up to us to help motivate our volunteers by helping them achieve things they are working on. Now, to be fair, I realize there are boards out there that are powerful and pay members-these are not what I am talking about…I am talking about the kind most of us are running -the ones with no money and barely any help. So, yes, being tied to the mission is an important piece but it isn't the only piece. It takes many things to keep everyone happy and they aren't the same for everyone, at least in my experience. Again, and as always, I would be interested in your feedback. Thank you!
Erin
Being a super small non profit organization, my volunteer needs are a bit different than a mid size or larger. However, the needs of the volunteers are the same. Whether you are a rabbit rescue, a dog rescue a children's charity or any other type of non profit. We are all asking our volunteers to give us their time, effort and expertise and give it to us for free-we aren't paying them. So, what are we going to give them? Hopefully this is a question that has been mulled over in your organization, if not, it really should be.
One thing I try to do for my volunteers as I meet them is to ask them what their long and short term goals are in regard to volunteering. What do they wish to get out of this experience? Some may wish to get work experience and references, this is totally doable, while another may someday wish to open their own rescue, again, this is something I can help with. Still others have many varied other reasons for being here and I want to make sure they are getting their needs met as a way to make sure my rescue continues to get it's needs met. This is the currency in which I deal. The best part of doing things this way, if done well is, these volunteers will be less likely to feel like I am using them as I am working to create a symbiosis.
If managed incorrectly volunteers can begin to feel used and disillusioned with an organization and this is not what anyone wants. I have heard it said that people will stay because they are tied to the mission, if they feel strongly enough they will continue. While some may stay, most will move on as no one likes to feel used. To me, this is a pretty flimsy way to try and hold onto volunteers. Just my opinion.
Another thing to keep in mind is, volunteering in a small non profit is not a growth industry. It isn't like you can get a pay raise, move up any ladder. Really, you can do some projects, get on the board and that is where you cap out. Once that has been done there isn't really much further you can go. So, again, it is up to us to help motivate our volunteers by helping them achieve things they are working on. Now, to be fair, I realize there are boards out there that are powerful and pay members-these are not what I am talking about…I am talking about the kind most of us are running -the ones with no money and barely any help. So, yes, being tied to the mission is an important piece but it isn't the only piece. It takes many things to keep everyone happy and they aren't the same for everyone, at least in my experience. Again, and as always, I would be interested in your feedback. Thank you!
Erin