Volunteering has been one of the ASAE Foundation’s ForesightWorks Drivers of Change for years. Yet even with preparation and future thinking, waning employer support, a tide of retiring Baby Boomers and differences in generational attitudes towards volunteering are creating a perfect storm that may arrive sooner than expected. Paid staff resources are not increasing to pace with the programs and customization members seek. Technology can help, but we rely on volunteers to do the heavy lifting in the areas of continuing education, certification, communications, and strategic planning to ensure an organization’s relevance.
How can you determine your organization’s risk?
- Evaluate how volunteers support your operations- if you have fewer volunteers can paid staff pick up the work or will important programs languish? Is the handful of volunteers who recycle through service opportunities starting to dwindle?
- Review your volunteer recognition efforts. Yes, most volunteers do this work for the personal rewards but organizations that recognize and reward their volunteers create stronger connections.
- Look at the commitments you require of volunteers, can they be reduced or fulfilled remotely?
- Implement education to help early career professionals to develop the skill set required to serve on a board or in key committee positions. Tap your best volunteers to identify future leaders and bring them in utilizing short-term but meaningful assignments.
The spectrum of volunteer opportunities is huge. Now is the time to evaluate whether you are doing enough to compete for the best talent while creating a volunteer program that supports future needs.
Beth Mauro is chair of the AH Foresight Council
