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The simplest form of instruction in managing volunteers is the verbal order. But that's seldom enough. Most CSOs develop beyond issuing verbal instructions throughout the day. Most move to a document-based operating system. This article discusses an approach based on expectation, request and promise communicated between civil society organisation and beneficiaries. Like ‘If you need us, we’ll be there’. Or like, ‘We’ll teach you skills for life’. We've included validation and verification of results.
Keeping records on volunteers
Written by John Berry on 27th April 2024. Revised 28th April 2024.
6 min read
It’s logical that the manager of volunteers would want to keep records that describe the characteristics of each volunteer they are responsible for. All CSOs should recognise that their managers are going to hold this sort of data. We give guidance on how this should be done in this article. Importantly, correct management of personal data influences the psychological contract between CSO and volunteer. Misuse may result in loss of CSO reputation.
Many would say that they simply don’t know why people volunteer. Certainly, it’s complicated. There is no one reason. Managers of volunteers must come to some understanding about why in each of their people. It's essential to volunteer management success. The manager must gently enquire, observe, and listen, and build a picture for each volunteer. It’s never acceptable for the manager of volunteers to accept that when asked, the volunteer shrugs and can’t say.
There is one recurring difficulty – agreeing what a volunteer is. Since volunteering is often contrasted with employment, there must be some statement of what’s similar, and what’s different. But it goes further than that. Here are some of definitions. Volunteering is work. It's a leisure activity. It's without financial reward, but there's exchange so volunteers don't work for nothing. Volunteers have free choice. It's impactful. And without volunteers the venture would fail.
Writing volunteer agreements
Written by John Berry on 22nd September 2020. Revised 27th March 2024.
6 min read
Volunteering is the provision of effort for the benefit of an organisation without financial reward. There will be reward for the volunteer, but it will be psychological. Despite the nature of the relationship, there should be an agreement. But the volunteering agreement must not be legally binding and will set out expectations. Here's how to write such agreements.
Why your volunteers are leaving
Written by John Berry on 12th November 2020. Revised 27th March 2024.
8 min read
There has been some indication that youth workers are now quitting their volunteer posts in significant numbers. As the pandemic evolves and new periods of lockdown are implemented, it is imperative that all managers of volunteers increase their level of supportive management. Many managers will not be capable of doing this and will themselves need help.
