Description

Each section of Leading the Way focuses on a key aspect of involving volunteers in which it is crucial for executives to take a lead role, such as fund development, planning and policy development, and evaluation. Checklists, worksheets, idea stimulators, real-life examples, self-inquiry assessments, and other practical how-to tools can be used immediately to guide planning and decision-making. Find tools for developing a statement of philosophy about volunteers; developing a budget for volunteer involvement; writing a case statement to secure funding for volunteers; writing a position description for a director of volunteer involvement; asking good questions when interviewing candidates; integrating support for volunteers into every unit and department of your organization; and much more!

A Perfect Companion Book: The Concepts in Depth
Leading the Way enables readers to implement the key concepts from the newly revised book, From the Top Down: The Executive Role in Successful Volunteer Involvement quickly and effectively! Learn more about From the Top Down. Order both books for 1 special price.

Multi-Use License Options
Multi-Use License Options are available for national organizations, conferences or workshops, or anyone wishing to purchase more 5 or more copies. Specific permissions are summarized in the Multi-Use License Options Document for download.

Cost: Varies with the size of the organization. Please contact Betty Stallings at BettyStall@aol.com for more information.

Table of Contents

View the table of contents.

Readers' Reviews

"The world of volunteer engagement is changing rapidly and Betty Stallings is at the forefront of the revolution! Leading the Way, a goldmine of ideas and tools that moves beyond theory to real world solutions, is the ultimate resource for busy executives ready to maximize the impact of volunteers and lead their organizations to a whole new level of success."

—John L. Lipp, President/CEO, Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) and
Author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Recruiting and Managing Volunteers

"Calling people to service without ensuring that organizations have the capacity to deliver high impact volunteer engagement does little to solve the pressing issues of our day. Leading the Way provides excellent, targeted, practical resources to support executives in the significant role they must play in ensuring successful volunteer involvement. Thank you for another great gift to the fields of philanthropy and volunteerism! I will be sharing this fabulous book with all of our grantees."

—Jane Leighty Justis, Executive Director, The Leighty Foundation

"Betty Stallings’ practical how-to guidebooks have long been an essential resource in my volunteer management library. Her resources are always immediately useful in moving our program forward. With Leading the Way, a companion book to Susan Ellis’s, From the Top Down, Betty has delivered another timely and indispensible how-to guide which should sit prominently on the desk of every BUSY executive…and every volunteer manager, too!"

—Nichola M. Russell, Volunteer Initiatives Manager, United Way of King County, Washington

"The practical worksheets and real-life examples in Leading the Way are critical tools for how to think about and implement high-quality volunteer strategies. It’s an easy-to-use resource for executive directors striving to improve their operations and for volunteer managers who want to build a compelling case for executive involvement in volunteer initiatives."

—Sue Carter, Executive Director, Volunteer San Diego, California

"Finally, a book that offers practical tools for executives to understand volunteerism fully and how to incorporate volunteer engagement in their organizations!"

 —Rob Bonesteel, Director, Volunteer Services Bureau, The Salvation Army, Central Territory
Board Member for Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement  (AL!VE)

When you've completed the book, remember to submit a review!

Brief Excerpt

Creating a Statement of Philosophy on Volunteer Engagement

What is a statement of philosophy on volunteer engagement?
It’s a written document that articulates an organization’s belief in the value and role that volunteers play in carrying out its mission. This statement is then shared throughout the organization and with the public, becoming the foundation upon which volunteer engagement rests. It can also be called a value statement or a commitment statement.

What is its purpose?
How volunteers are perceived in an organization is reflected, intentionally or unintentionally, by the type of volunteer assignments created, the amount and type of resources allocated to engaging volunteers, and the credibility given to volunteer input. Having a statement of philosophy that is understood by all stakeholders (employees, managers, executives, board members, etc.) of the organization makes the difference between “using” volunteers and “engaging” volunteers as partners, effectively and productively, in carrying out the mission. Stating the value and role of volunteers:

• Expresses the organization’s commitment to volunteers.
• Establishes a clear relationship between staff and volunteers.
• Creates a framework upon which the board can develop goals and policies for the organization’s volunteer engagement.
• Gives clear direction to all staff that they are expected to partner with volunteers.
• Becomes the fundamental principle that will guide the organization in developing a vision for volunteer engagement at its best.
• Helps to determine whether prospective staff and volunteers are a good fit for the organization.
• Ensures that the organization’s commitment to volunteer involvement does not change with trends or new executive staff.
• Helps volunteers understand their value to the organization.

Who can (should) be involved in deliberating and determining the statement of philosophy on volunteers in an organization?
Creating, reviewing or enhancing your organization’s statement of philosophy can be initiated at the top or in the middle of an organization. Ultimately, the final philosophy must be embraced by the board and executive(s) to have clout in setting a standard of approach.

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