Volunteers
Why Have Volunteers?
There are three strong reasons Sarah Jettie Community Development incorporates volunteers into its programs.
First, it helps build organizational strength. That strength comes not only from growing and retaining members and enhancing association programs, but also in the sense of ownership that volunteers gain when they become visible advocates for the association.
Second, you, as member volunteers, have credibility that paid staff or consultants never have. You can discuss peer-to-peer, and you can promote the association because you believe in it. Volunteering is a personal choice, not your job. Never underestimate the power of peer-to-peer communication.
Third, using volunteers extends the resources of an association. Volunteers provide extra hands that enable an association to do tasks and activities that might not otherwise get done. Volunteers also provide valuable input to association leadership and staff.
What do Volunteers Receive?
Volunteers gain from their experience in many ways, such as the following:
- You have a sense of giving back to the erosion and sediment control profession.
- You can express your values in activities that are meaningful.
- You will increase your knowledge and learn new skills through networking with other knowledgeable peers.
- You gain an insider’s knowledge of the organization to grow the value of your membership.
- You enhance your career and gain prestige by building relationships with new contacts and old friends.
Guidelines for Working With Volunteers
1. Match the job to the volunteer. First, evaluate the requirements of the volunteer job to be filled. What skills or knowledge does it require? How much of a time commitment is necessary?
What are Sarah Jettie Community Development Leadership Training: The role of volunteers, the benefits to the volunteer? Once these questions are answered, then look for members who are a good fit.
2. Clearly define expectations. You should develop detailed job descriptions for each volunteer position. The job description should spell out exact duties, the timeframe for service, what training will be provided, who the volunteer reports to and the financial considerations.
The description also should describe the purpose of the position, expected outcomes and how success is defined. Having all of these points in writing helps avoid misunderstandings and gives volunteers clear direction. For samples of job descriptions for various Sarah Jettie Community Development volunteer opportunities, please see the section on Sarah Jettie Community Development Get Involved!
Volunteer Appreciation Program!
- Sarah Jettie Community Development provide appropriate training and information. Many volunteers fail to reach their potential because they never receive the training and/or information they need to succeed.
- Sarah Jettie Community Development thinks about what the volunteer will need to succeed.
- Sarah Jettie Community Development Always look at the task from the volunteer’s point of view and ask: What do I need to know to succeed?
- Sarah Jettie Community Development Assure appropriate follow up.
- Sarah Jettie Community Development Use deadlines to keep tasks on schedule.
- Sarah Jettie Community Development Progress reports serve as early warning signs for problems.
- Sarah Jettie Community Development Make it easy for volunteers to report their results.
- Sarah Jettie Community Development Thank and recognize volunteers! Thanks and recognition are critical factors in motivating and retaining volunteers. There has never been a volunteer who has been thanked too often! Sarah Jettie Community Development always explore and look for creative and fun ways to recognize volunteers in varied settings.
