Hot Topics

Responses to:
Strength in Numbers: Engaging Volunteers as Partners in Program Development

Submitted on 10 December 2005 by Katie-Jay Scott,"I Have a Dream" Foundation Oregon, Volunteer Coordinator, Portland, OR USA
I have recently established a Volunteer Program Advisory Committee to help guide the creation of the volunteer program I am in charge of. It has been very successful. Things that have worked:
1) Do not meet constantly but consistently and let them know when the next meeting is. We set goals for 3 months out so meetings are quarterly.
2) Give them the option of the communication method. I work with different members of the committee face to face, over the phone or through email.
3) Get a volunteer and client of your program to be on the committee!

Submitted on 4 December 2005 by Daniel F. Bassill,
Tutor/Mentor Connection, President, Chicago, Il USA
I lead the Tutor/Mentor Connection, based in Chicago and on the Internet. I've lead a volunteer-based program for almost 30 years and have always focused on engaging volunteers as leaders, organizers, capacity builders, in addition to providing direct service. In fact, I feel that volunteering in a long-term tutor/mentor program is a form of civic engagement and service learning that changes the life of the youth, and the volunteer. You can learn more at http://www.tutormentorexchange.net

Submitted on 14 November 1005 by Todd Martin, University of Illinois Medical Center, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Chicago Illinois
We have approximately 130 volunteers at the University of Illinois Medical Center (Chicago) in 16 departments. About half are pre-health undergraduate students. I found, early on, that some volunteers have more energy and ideas to contribute than only their weekly service assignment on their unit. They also have energy that begs for leadership roles and development.

We started a Volunteer Leadership Committee three years ago to initially assist me with activities for National Volunteer Week. I am a one-person office, so I knew it would be impossible to do anything very substantial without volunteers' help and ideas. From that group came the Volunteer Leadership Committee. Their role is advisory to me, and to the staff who manage them. They are now almost completely responsible for planning the activities for National Volunteer Week and a related event, Volunteer Coordinator Appreciation Day, which is conducted the third week of November. This is to recognize the staff members who manage the volunteers on the units.

In addition, I have asked the Volunteer Leadership Committee to take co-ownership of a couple of things we are trying to develop: building community among volunteers, and addressing universal volunteer training needs. They have taken on these new assignments with vigor and substance, holding a series of "open forum" meetings on building community, and inviting clinical staff to meet with volunteers to see how more teamwork could be built between clinical staff and volunteers. The Committee meets monthly, has officer roles, and even requires of members a $50 annual cash or in-kind contribution. That was their idea, not mine. :-)

Submitted on 14 November 2005 by Jayne Cravens, Coyote Communications, Consultant, Sinzig Germany
To me, involving volunteers in this way is the BEST form of volunteer recognition, much more meaningful than a pin or a tea cozy or whatever. That's right -- more work, and challenging work at that, can be seen as a reward by many volunteers!

Submitted on 7 November 2005 by Judy Albers, Dennos Museum Center, Assistant to the Director, Traverse City, MI USA
Just returned from the ICVA and decided that this is needed in our volunteer program. It's nice to have my idea affirmed.

Submitted on 7 November 2005 by Hillary Roberts, Project Linus NJ, Inc., President, Keyport/NJ USA
As a 100% volunteer organization, PLNJ is fortunate to have many individuals of varied skills and backgrounds organizing all of our day to day operations. At the grassroots level its always about networking well.

PLNJ's advisory panel is comprised of volunteers who have at one time been the recipients of our handmade blankets. A parent whose child received an afghan while in the hospital; a family who received bedding after a house fire; a sister who lost her brother to cancer. These volunteers have first hand experience at the recipient level with passionate insights and the desire to support a cause that made an impact in their lives. They help identify the need in a community and share their strength with families going through very difficult and personal choices.

We also have a steering committee for our youth program made up of educators, high school students and textile artists. This particular group has enhanced the quality of our programs and broadened our ability to engage hundreds of youth volunteers. Creative, innovative and smart.

But, the group we are most proud of is our youth board. PLNJ's mission is to provide comfort, hope and healing to fragile NJ kids. Who better than young adults to inspire and educate us on what would make their fragile peers feel safe and secure. Our youth board is bright, honest and real!

Volunteer engagement at every level keeps our doors open. I hope all non profits who recruit volunteers will think in terms of skills and training individuals bring to the table before filling short term slots.

Submitted on 5 Nov 2005 by Dave Gynn, Coleman Professional Services, Volunteer Coordinator, Kent, Ohio USA
Our volunteer Advisory Council helped develop the attached survey.

Submitted on 3 Nov 2005 by Lisa Coble, Newport Hospital, Director of Volunteer Services, Newport, RI USA
I created an "advisory council" a couple of years ago to be sure that the direction of our programs were being steered with volunteer input. I find having their support and opinions make for more successful programs. The members also write newsletter articles, help plan social, educational and recognition events.

Share Your Response