How to Empower Volunteers
The major personnel challenge for a nonprofit organization is finding ways to empower volunteers. A charity that wants to expand financial support and public recognition needs to find volunteers with passion for public service. You need to know how to turn this passion into results by treating volunteers the right way.
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Instructions
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Establish a series of short-term goals to build confidence in your volunteers. The completion of data entry, fund-raising and outreach projects will empower volunteers to take on additional responsibilities.
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Match volunteers to positions commensurate with their experience as an empowerment tool. A volunteer with fund-raising experience will take greater initiative as the head of a fund drive, but he may flounder if asked to fill out data entry forms.
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Work with your executive board to maintain a consistent mission as a way to empower volunteers. Volunteers need to spend time with your mission statement and objectives to develop comfort with your outreach initiatives.
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Gather your volunteers together on occasion to share experiences and have fun outside of the office. Use programs like the volunteer training programs at the United Way of Dane County to empower your volunteers through creative education (see Resources below).
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Develop an online network that gives your volunteers the power to communicate with one another without administrative blockades. Collaborative software from companies like Samaritan Technologies will help new volunteers communicate with staff members outside of the office (see Resources below). Instant messaging can also be a powerful tool for remote personnel.
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Partner new volunteers with experienced staff members to empower your volunteer corps. Volunteers who have been working in the community for years can provide shorthand tips on communicating with specific age, racial and gender groups.
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Throw away rigid techniques for drawing in funds and new volunteers in favor of suggestions from your volunteer corps. Volunteers are empowered when their organization allows flexibility in day-to-day operations based on personal, real-world experiences. Conduct listening sessions between volunteers and your executive board to keep everyone on the same page regarding impromptu methods.
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Reward volunteers on a regular basis based on your knowledge of their personal and professional backgrounds. A hand-written note along with a small gift demonstrates that each achievement by a volunteer is valued.
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Tips & Warnings
Generate a powerful script for volunteers to use during door-to-door and phone campaigns. This script should allow volunteers to get the message out quickly, while speaking casually. The right script can empower donors as well as your volunteer staff.
