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The Power of Difference
Posted on 24 February 2009 by Priscilla Prather, University of North Texas - Student, San Antonio USA
Interesting to see how intimidating a volunteer can be to an established employee, a company, or even a labor union. “Put unexpected skills to work for an organization and focus on expanding services to clients/consumers.” – (quote) is a FABULOUS idea! I could not agree more with the idea of placing volunteers in positions that might actually be at the other end of the spectrum from the employee they will be matched with. Yes, there may be times when that match is a little uncomfortable – but who ever said anything was easy? Anything worth doing always takes work! Think of a marriage…there are many personality tests that are given from Myers Briggs to Stength Finders. These indicators can prove how well these couples will get along with one another or work with one another based on their strengths and weaknesses. So many businesses today are finding it to be a true addition to know what their employees strengths are so that their company can play to the strengths of its employees rather than always trying to place a round peg in a square hole.
Even for volunteers, no one with any skills, that they are willing to offer for free, wants to be a gopher in an office full of people that possess the same skills they do. The “Unmatched Volunteer” would provide for a far better reaching potential in the long run. By the same token – we might try and take a deep breath and not be so threatened by the volunteers that are placed there to help us. Life is much easier when we breath deep and enjoy our time here… it is about those we serve right?
Posted on 19 February 2008 by Jacquelyn,
University of North Texas - Student,
Corinth USA
Susan brings out the fact that we all have a purpose and can contribute or give something of value to our fellow man.
Volunteer managers can recruit to find differences that will have a great impact on a volunteer program and the paid staff. Recruiting in this manner will make the paid staff feel less threatened. Also volunteers will feel more challenged and not made to feel that they are simply there to help the staff.
Posted on 5 February 2008 by Colleen Kelly,
Volunteer Vancouver,
Executive Director
Vancouver, BC Canada
Susan, we love your topic! It is a new way to think about engaging the specifically skilled volunteer that has amazing ability - and passion for our organization's cause. Although you mention recruiting people who are very different from employees, your examples are also about REACTING to the special skill set that walks through our door. Your column provides many ideas about ways we can engage those different skills when we have an opportunity. Yes, we can do this with market analysts and MBA's and retail entrepreneurs and... It is about making time to find the right fit for the skill. It is about building capacity in our organizations with people - an often overlooked and very valuable resource!
Posted on 5 February 2008 by Ginny Herring,
AVACA & self employed,
Pres and VM Consultant,
Phoenix, AZ USA
This is the best articulated and most succinct article I have ever read regarding diversity in volunteers. There is so much information contained that it should be read and re-read and put to use. Thank you.
Posted on 5 February 2008 by Hillary Roberts,
Project Linus NJ, Inc.,
President,
Keyport/NJ USA
You've chosen a hot topic I can really relate to. When I interviewed for the "leadership post" at PLNJ in 1999, I had no prior experience as a knitter, crocheter or quilter and some 10 years later, knitting is still my "work in progress" skill. What I brought was exposure to textile designers, fashion houses and the New York garment scene from an early age--my parents and grandparents worked in facets of the garment district their entire lives. I have a passion and deep respect for textile artists. So, when I was introduced to Project Linus, a charity that creates and donates handmade blankets and other items to fragile children, those close to me knew the personal connection I found in the mission. I've enjoyed recruiting volunteers over the years, using my own unique experience and diverse work background as a simple guidepost.
I couldn't agree more than we all need to celebrate our different skill sets and practice CURIOSITY. Don't we want to attract individuals and groups with something special to offer?! Don't we see the benefit to having a volunteer network of talented time givers who can enhance our mission, share their passions with our clients and bring about new ideas and community partnerships as a result of their first rate skills! I know I do and I know our agency has quadrupled in size because we have a "welcome mat" approach to volunteers.
Where we may fail is in thinking we can't be taught "new tricks." I'm still an enthusiastic part of this agency because I remain curious about the next volunteer who contacts us interested in sharing their time and talents with children. The power of difference is such a unexpected gift. Unwrap the power!
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