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Commitment and Requirements for a Volunteer Organization

© R. L. Head

I believe that some of the most important things a volunteer organization can do to ensure its success are to have a well stated goal, a focus, and a clear description of the role of and requirements for the volunteers. If people understand these things, they will be more likely to continue their work with the organization. Such honesty may significantly affect the number of people willing to participate at the beginning but, ultimately, it will provide a better foundation. Working with a small, dedicated group will provide the best opportunity for success.

There are specific issues which must be addressed. Given the current environment, it is probably a good idea to consider background checks for all volunteers or at least those having contact with any children. The cost should be paid for by the volunteers at least at the beginning. Again, success may give the school board good reason to pick up the tab in the future. Background checks shouldn't be too expensive. For those who have had them for other organizations, such as the Recreation Department, the results for those searches may be able to be used by the school board.

A volunteer organization should investigate how to best provide insurance for its volunteers. The school board may be able to provide coverage for the best price. They may be able to arrange for group coverage that will be extended to all volunteers or a better price for individual coverage. In any case, the volunteers should probably bear the cost, at least at the beginning. As success is demonstrated, the school board may be happy to pick up part or all of the cost.

A volunteer organization must decide what the minimum commitment should be. I would think that once a week for at least two hours would be a bare minimum. Perhaps different roles would have different requirements. Those acting as mentors should probably be required to provide considerably more time. It is important to remember that the children's needs must be considered, and one of their needs is continuity. For mentors, especially, consideration should be given to the possibility of after school contact. Mentors often do this, and other volunteers might be interested in such activities. Insurance needs should be addressed for all after school activities.

Invariably, there will be problems. It is probably a good idea to have people with patience assigned to dealing with the problems encountered. Volunteers will be taught to help children overcome their problems and to accentuate the positive. When volunteers have problems, this should be remembered when dealing with them. There will be two major areas of concern. The first is the behavior of the volunteer. The second is failure to live up to a commitment.

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