Volunteer Management  View RSS Feed Last updated 4/7/2008

Volunteers are the heart of many nonprofits and often play a vital role in the capacity and success of an organization. Volunteer programs require the same type of managerial effort that any other program effort would require, so there are several factors to consider to ensure that the experience is positive for both the volunteer and the organization. This topic area contains resources on effectively managing, training, recruiting, recognizing, and rewarding volunteers.

Communication
Communication is a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of words, symbols, signs or behavior. Communication in volunteer management can take the shape of formal or informal dialog or tactics between both internal employees and volunteers. Communications in volunteer management allows for the exchange of constructive feedback, recognition, and staff relations.
Evaluation
Evaluation is the process of determining the worth, merit and effectiveness of a program or product based on relevant standards typically set by the organization. The use of evaluation in volunteer management can determine the goals and needs of an organization in order to appropriately assign volunteers, as well as to keep track of volunteers’ performance, effectiveness, and estimate their time value.
Legal Considerations
Legal Considerations are the factors governing sound judgment and lawful decision-making. An organization must be aware of the legal responsibilities and obligations entrusted in them to minimize legal ramifications and lawsuits. Volunteer management supports the legalities with compliance to Americans with Disabilities Act, discrimination and harassment prevention, insurance, protection laws, records management, risk management, and hiring and screening.
Management
Management operationally governs all of the volunteer activities. Volunteer managers need to be excellent administrators in order to track and coordinate the many responsibilities volunteers are asked to undertake on behalf of an organization. Managers also need strong coaching and training skills in order to ensure safe, purposeful and appropriate participation in all activities.
Training
Training refers to the acquisition of education, instruction or discipline with specific learning objectives intended for new volunteers. The use of training plays a critical role in successful volunteer management in that it serves as an introductory or transitional period for volunteers to get acquainted with the organization, its practices and applicable skills. The goal of volunteer management should be in context of the organization and capacity building.