These days, businesses are focusing more and more on the bottom line. This needs to be true for community service organizations as well, not in terms of profit, but in terms of product. The best intentions and the kindest hearts in the world mean nothing unless positive action follows. Nonprofits increase their limited resources by using volunteers; they can increase their power in the same way.
Organizational power is not subject to the laws of physics. The more power a leader gives to the people around him or her, the more power there is. Do not be afraid to use your volunteer resources to their utmost potential, whatever they may be. If most of your volunteers are stuck doing menial tasks like stuffing envelopes, here are some tips on funneling power towards them, and thereby increasing the effectiveness of the entire organization:
- Inform: Make sure that volunteers know the mission and vision of the organization, as well as its structure. It is amazing how many people have no or very little idea about what goes on where they work. Because they are seen as different than regular employees, volunteers are not often socialized, which can create problems down the road. By showing the volunteer of all facets of the organization and keeping them informed of any projects, you help the volunteer identify with the organization. This will lead to higher levels of commitment, lower absenteeism and turnover.
- Connect: A successful nonprofit organization has roots entrenched throughout the community. Volunteers can be important resources towards opening doors, and they can also be very worth knowing. Introduce volunteers to visitors, ask volunteers to bring visitors (or to suggest future Board members, guests to special events, etc.), invite some volunteers to business lunches or nonprofit panels. Use your connections to widen your connections, and the entire organization will benefit. (However, do not take it so far as to value volunteers based on who they know rather than what they do.)
- Educate: Reward dedicated volunteers by increasing their boundaries. Offer to pay for a grant-writing, fundraising, or computer course to someone who has shown commitment and is interested in increasing their role in the organization. This is a wonderful way of making talented volunteers loyal and showing that your organization is committed to its members.
- Celebrate: Trumpet volunteer (and employee!) achievements as often as you can (make sure its sincere and merited, however). Make models and even heroes out of exemplary individuals. This rewards good workers and stresses to the organization what you consider important.
Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Give Power Away in Volunteerism is owned by . Permission to republish Give Power Away in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
