That means that the majority of volunteers fall into the short-term category. With so many of these short-term volunteers, it can be difficult for organizations, especially non profits, to use them effectively. But since volunteering is the backbone of many of these organizations, it’s imperative to utilize the volunteers in ways that are effective for the organization as well as for the volunteers themselves.
Be Realistic- Realize the Limitations of Short Term Volunteers
Realizing the limitations of single-project volunteers can make working with them more rewarding for both the volunteers and the organization. Many volunteers are short-term participants in service organizations or corporate volunteer programs. These volunteers require well-defined tasks that fit into their busy schedules.
Volunteer Management Basics- Be Specific About Time Frames for Task
Volunteer managers need to make it perfectly clear to short-term volunteers what is expected up front in terms of what should be accomplished, the time that it should take to complete it, and the extent of involvement.
In addition to communicating expectations, it’s important to explain what volunteers can and cannot do in order to develop a good relationship with them. For example if an organization has a policy that short-term volunteers can’t work with children because there isn’t time to do a background check, then explain this up front to the volunteer so that there is no disappointment later.
Assign Tasks that Fit Volunteer’s Existing Skills
Another key to developing a good relationship with the volunteer group is to identify a single contact within the group. Talk to this person before the group arrives to find a match between the group's skills and the needs of the organization.
In finding a match, it is also important to select a project that will give the volunteers a feeling of satisfaction or fulfillment. Just trying to find projects that make the volunteers feel worthwhile is sometimes difficult. One solution is to assign a physical task. Projects that can be done from start to finish give the volunteer "ownership" of the endeavor. When a volunteer starts a project and sees it through to completion, there is more pride placed in the project and a feeling that the investment was worthwhile.
Show Appreciation for Volunteers
Recognition is important when dealing with volunteers. Volunteer work is worth approximately $14.30 per hour to the organization they are working for, but since volunteers aren’t paid, it’s important to show recognition in other ways. Many short-term or single-event volunteers are more likely motivated by personal achievement rather than status within the volunteer group.
To recognize achievements, get a list of all of the participants in a group's project and, if possible, send out individual thank-you notes. Be sure to place volunteers on the organizations newsletter mailing list to keep them informed of upcoming events, remind them that the organization appreciates their efforts, and invite further participation in the organization.
Turn Short Term Volunteers into Long Term Volunteers
Don’t just look at short term volunteers as “short timers.” Look for ways to utilize them for the organization in the future. Short-term volunteers can spread the good word about the organization to others. Use the organization's exposure to single-event volunteers to explain its goals and improve its image within the community.
Finally, view short-term volunteers as potential financial contributors to future programs. Households with volunteering members donate two-and-a-half times more money than those without volunteering members. In other words, it pays to view short-term volunteers as ongoing resources.
References:
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/volun.nr0.htm
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