Let’s work together. Let’s all be part of something big and great--like your cause. Uniting volunteers with others who share their interests and dedication engenders trust and respect. People who work as a unit are enthusiastic, happy, and committed.
A Little Conversation Goes A Long Way
Sharing a purpose brings your volunteers together--a common cause. One of the best ways to unite your volunteers is to talk with them. Seems simple enough. Have real conversations, not simple “how are you doing” or “here is where we can use you today”. A little conversation translates to a lot of interest and caring for the volunteer.
Loved Ones Count Too
One of the best ways to engage your volunteers is to provide benefits and activities that positively impact not just your volunteers, but also affects those whom they love. Have your organization’s gatherings and bonding events include the loved ones of the volunteers. Make it a family and friends community event. Host a picnic and family fun day at a local park. Let everyone around the volunteers see and experience the unity and common goals of your organization.
Your Mission Can Speak Volumes
Another tip is to make the volunteers part of the organization’s mission. Get them involved in planning and organizing and also have them participating in the end result. For example, if you plan a fundraiser at a local bakery, have volunteers be at the bakery and welcome people and talk about your mission. Allow volunteers to become spokespersons and representatives. They will feel that they are a big part of the effort.
Get "Gifty"
Tuck away a few dollars to show appreciation with a small gift to volunteers. A gift goes a long way in saying “thank you”. You might consider welcoming each new volunteer with a nominal gift card or acknowledge a “volunteer of the month” with a free house cleaning or a car wash. This puts a smile on the volunteer’s face and also gives positive vibrations to that volunteer’s family. Small and thoughtful gestures make a happy environment and create a positive volunteer experience.
Inclusive Decision Making Works
An additional boost to your volunteer’s enthusiasm is involvement in decisions. There surely are some organizational decisions that your volunteers can comment on . . . give their two-cents worth. No big decisions, just simple decisions. Start with discussion group of volunteers with, “What areas of fundraising (marketing, public relations, volunteerism, etc.) do we do best? What should we target for improvement? Invite them to contribute ideas and suggestions. What would we have to do to accomplish this objective (make this change, improve this situation, etc.)? From here you can create an action plan to address these items.
Feeling involved and having ideas the organization respects goes a long way to nurturing and growing volunteers--the foundation of your organization.
For more ideas for volunteer team building or to share volunteer activities you have successfully experienced, visit our Facebook group “The Non-Profit Accounting Spot” where you can be part of a growing community of people with a passion to help. We are always looking for ways to add joy and enthusiasm to every day.
When your organization comes across perplexing information and you have questions--we are here with the answers. Keep in touch with our blog. We have ideas to share and solutions to management and organizational questions. If you have questions about any other not-for-profit industry topics, contact our not-for-profit team leader at trent@tbfosteraccounting.com.
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