So far you have learned to how to recruit volunteers and how to retain them, but you haven’t learned the golden rule of managing volunteers: creating a connection. When you create a connection with volunteers, they become empowered and more productive. There are six key points to remember when connecting with volunteers that will enable you and your organization to not only demonstrate importance, but also provide you with a genuine relationship with your volunteers.
- Embrace Diversity: Everyone is unique in their own way. Be sure to embrace the diversity and empower volunteers to work together.
- Value Personality: When working with volunteers, there are many different personalities that come together. Remember that different personalities will bring different points of view.
- Build Community: Encourage volunteers to get to know each other. A few examples of how this can be done are creating task forces and holding face-to-face meetings.
- Express Appreciation: Have you ever heard: thank you goes a long way? Treating volunteers as if they are real staff can make them feel that they matter and that their opinions and ideas will make a difference, as they often do!
- Strengthen Individuality: Get to know your volunteers on a personal level! It’s okay to talk to them before or after the call and ask them how they are doing. It will show them that you care about who they are as a person and not just their capabilities as a volunteer.
- Manage Adversity: Understand that you will face adversity. It is important to positively approach conversations and avoid starting them with criticism.
Now that you have read through the six key points of connecting with volunteers, think about which ones are most important to you and which ones your volunteers would prefer. Then take those points and start making connections!
Chrissy Kissinger, director of Committee Relations for the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurses Society, graduated from Eastern University with a bachelors degree in communications. A seasoned professional in areas of development, public relations, and marketing, Chrissy joined the WOCN Society in February 2011, adding an innovative approach to membership and committee development. Chrissy previously worked in the development department at The Franklin Institute and has also lent her marketing expertise to Virtua Health. She is currently enrolled to receive her masters in business administration at Eastern University. Chrissy is an avid runner who enjoys running for causes such as Crohns and Colitis Disease and Cancer Research and Awareness.Chrissy resides in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
