VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENTVOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT

EXPANDING YOUR OUTREACH

Martha A. Nall, Ed.D.Extension ProfessorUniversity of KYCooperative Extension Service

What Is A Volunteer?

Definition:

An individual with varying degrees of knowledge and skill that goes to the University of Tennessee and plays for a losing basketball team.

What Is A Volunteer – Really?

Volunteers provide work, services, expertise, etc. without expectations of receiving financial compensation.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteers gain: Skill in working with people Ability to organize, make decisions &

solve problems Contacts More effective in their work

Why Volunteer?

Volunteers gain:Satisfaction from helping others Increased self-esteemFriendships formedNew interestsConfidence jobs

VOLUNTEERING IN THE U.S.* 26.8% Americans volunteer*

(1.6 million increase over ‘08)

63.4 million volunteers – Total Number of volunteers*

8.1 billion hours – Annual hours volunteered*

*www.national service.gov

VOLUNTEERING IN THE U.S.

$169 billion – Total dollar value of volunteer time*

$21.36 – Estimated hourly value of time**

9.1 million - FTE's for volunteers

*www.national service.gov**www.independentsector.org

VOLUNTEERING IN THE US – 2001*

71% - Percentage of adults who volunteered when asked

29% - Percentage of adults who volunteered who had not been asked

*Study conducted by Independent Sector

WHERE AMERICANS VOLUNTEER

GEMS A VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

DEVELOPED BY KEN CULP, III, PH.D.

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

KENTUCKY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE

1-6 7-10 11-13 14-18

GENERATE: NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Determining what volunteer jobs need to be done.

A “big picture” look at the organization

WHERE DO PEOPLE VOLUNTEER?

Divide into groups Make a list of as many volunteer

roles in NARFE as you can in two minutes.

GENERATE: POSITION DESCRIPTION

Written explanation of the volunteer’s position and role. Include:

Position Title Time Commitment Location General Purpose Specific Responsibilities Support Provided Contact Person/Supervisor

GENERATE: IDENTIFY

Develop a list of individuals and groups to contact for volunteer service.•Look for “non-traditional” volunteers

• Example: Singles in youth programs, college students in the nursery, retirees judging public speaking contest. . .

GENERATE: RECRUIT

Actively search for new volunteers: Web sites/electronic lists Master list (printed) for all volunteer jobs Current volunteers Personal contacts:

face to face“no” – ask againdon’t over-recruit

GENERATE: SCREEN

Potential volunteer completes application & submits references

Agents contact references Potential volunteer is interviewed

GENERATE: SELECT Place individuals in the

most suitable volunteer positions.

Match: Talent Knowledge Skills Experience Goals

EDUCATE: ORIENT

Begin at the beginning. Include topics about:

History, mission, values, etc. of the organization

Past and current programs and projects Procedures Policies Standards General expectations The “why’s”

EDUCATE: PROTECTInform volunteers about risk management strategies and liability issues.

Child Protection Behavioral Standards Conflict Resolution Confidentiality Issues Financial Management

EDUCATE: RESOURCES

Provide volunteers with the resources necessary to do their job: Human resources Clerical support Curriculum Financial resources

EDUCATE: TEACH

Provide the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill their volunteer role.

Specific subject matter which focuses on program needs.

MOBILIZE: ENGAGE

Allow volunteers to carry out the task or activity they have been selected to perform.

MOBILIZE: MOTIVATE

Create an environment which helps individuals or groups satisfy needs or achieve goals.

Motives for beginning, continuing and discontinuing will be different

MOBILIZE: SUPERVISE

Assisting volunteers to function at their best.

On-going Continuous

SUSTAIN: EVALUATE

On-going process determining if goals are being met.Should be both formal and informal

SUSTAIN: RECOGNIZE

Recognition is: Essential Formal and/or informal Sincere Provides a sense of

appreciation

SUSTAIN: REDIRECTTransfers a volunteer to another role within the organization.

Promotion Reward Opportunity to succeed

SUSTAIN: RETAIN

Continues service in the same volunteer role.

Fulfills volunteer’s motives Ensure a good “fit” between the

role and the volunteer Commitment renewed

SUSTAIN: DISENGAGE

Ending the volunteer/ organization commitment and relationship.