What is
a Volunteer?
Julianne
Shenk, Nonprofit Consultant
JBS
Nonprofit Consulting
In the nonprofit
world, a volunteer is the backbone of the organization. Even the largest nonprofit organizations in
the world rely on volunteers. Volunteers often take on the tasks and
responsibilities that make the organization successful. The phrase that most
often pops into my head when I describe a volunteer is “cog in the machine” or
“cog in the wheel”. The cog (volunteer) plays a minor, yet integral part in the
operation of the machine (task). But, I do not think that that phrase does the
volunteer the proper justice. I prefer to think of the mechanics of the phrase
reversed: The machine (task) cannot operate properly, efficiently and
effectively without the cog (volunteer). Sure, it could still operate, but not
at a full press and surely not as successfully as desired.
Definition
In the most basic of
terms, a volunteer is a person that offers to assume a task…most likely and
most often without pay or compensation.
I think the Volunteer
Centre in Ontario, Canada[1]
has the superlative definition of a volunteer:
“Someone who chooses to act in recognition
of a need, with an attitude of social responsibility and without concern for
monetary profit.”
Myself, I see volunteering as an altruistic pursuit. Yes, there
are less than selfless reasons for a person to “volunteer” (i.e., court
mandated/community service, educationally required, social organization
membership fulfillment, church/ministry/mission duties, etc.) but
predominantly, I believe that the majority of people do indeed volunteer for selfless,
positive, and considerate motivations. Typically, volunteers have a strong
personal reason, connection, or motivation for wanting to be a part of your
organization. After years in the nonprofit world, I have found that the
majority of volunteers I have both worked with and managed have given their
time for belief in the cause and desire to help and make a difference.
Volunteers come in two forms: looking to help and looking for some
professional development. My answer to those that ask if those that volunteer
to develop professionally and perhaps leave for bigger pastures…Bring it On!
Whatever brings in a volunteer that will help your organization and further
your cause, welcome them with open arms.
Remember, a volunteer is a volunteer. You need help. They want to help.
A match made in nonprofit heaven.
Tips
· ASK. As a nonprofit leader,
you never want to say the phrase, “I volunteered you for…”. It is guaranteed to
impact the attitude, motivation and performance of that “volunteered
volunteer”. The people that join your organization do so knowing that they will
be providing you with their time and labor. “Volunteering” someone is not the
way to start off the planning or execution of an event. Additionally, taking
the word of someone that volunteers a friend, colleague or family member…not a
solid plan. ALWAYS follow up with said “volunteer”.
· ORGANIZE. Know how many
volunteers you will need. Know all of the W’s (Where do they report, When do
they report, What will they be doing, What should they bring, Who will they
report to/depend on for information, etc.) Organization of volunteers is the
number one detail for a successful event. Donors, clients, and the community
will be immediately turned off by a rag-tag band of unorganized “helpers”.
· RECOGNIZE: Recognize and
celebrate your volunteers. This can be a “shout out”, a certificate or a blurb
on your website or newsletter. Overlooking your volunteers undermines their
hard work and dedication to your cause. Even a small “thank you”, “great job”,
“you helped make a difference”, goes a long, long way.
The topic of volunteers
and volunteering is a lengthy one. Check back for future blogs expanding on the
topic. Idea or question? Post here or email me at: JBS Nonprofit Consulting EMAIL
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