How to Run a Volunteer Meeting

If you've become an officer of a local volunteer group, you'll need to run some volunteer meetings. These meetings are different than what you might be used to in the paid working world. It requires finesse and humor to lead them successfully.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Create an agenda. Be inclusive and poll the other officers of the group to ensure that you've got everyone's projects listed.
2. Publish a calendar of meetings. The further in advance people know of a meeting, the better attendance will be.
3. Provide food and drinks. If you're venue allows, a little wine and cheese increases the sense of camaraderie and fun that many volunteers were seeking when they joined the group.
4. Start with an ice breaker. Have some fun while providing a guided activity that forces folks to mingle; you want the newer members to feel comfortable chatting with members who have been involved for a longer time. This type of interaction ensures that the newer members feel welcomed and the volunteer group can continue to grow and thrive.
5. Include social time. Whether it's before the meeting starts, after it ends or as a break in the middle, make sure you provide the volunteers a chance to chat with one another. People typically join these types of groups to make connections, network and get to know other people in the community. Providing social time ensures the long term vitality of your volunteer group.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring a gavel or some other attention getting tool to end social time and begin the business of the meeting.