Organising Volunteers

RAG and d:one Training 2014

“Quand tu veux construire un bateau, ne commence pas par rassembler du bois, couper des planches et distribuer du

travail, mais réveille au sein des hommes le désir de la mer grande et large. ”

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the

sea”

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Session Overview

• Volunteers and volunteer programmes in UDSU.

• Identifying the tools required to organise and motivate volunteers

Volunteer Programmes• Support the organisation• Provide opportunities for the volunteer• Develops and supports the volunteers-

providing the tools for personal development

• Has a clear structure – Staff/Volunteer structure should be

clearly divided• Makes the best use of volunteers time

Are RAG and d:one opportunities at UDSU volunteer programmes? Volunteer Now (2012)

How does this affect you?

Working with Volunteers

Nature of Volunteers• Volunteers are our biggest asset• Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes

and all have different motivations but all will ask “What is in it for me?

• Volunteers have different skill sets• Volunteers if nurtured can be the

organisation’s most active workers• Volunteers want to develop just like

paid staff.• Volunteers want to feel part of

something bigger and worthwhile

Why Volunteers Leave?• Lack of motivation is often the biggest

problem-Volunteers need to feel secure, useful and appreciated

• Poor match between skills/interests and tasks• Personality conflicts• Inadequate support-feel they have been left

to sail alone• Unclear goals or expectations• Tasks are boring or not what they expected• Lack of time• No perceived chance of personal

development

How can we support/motivate our volunteers?

• What does the committee who supports this programme need to fulfil their roles and responsibilities?

• What do they need to do to ensure the students they work with are fulfilling their roles and responsibilities?

• What practical and/or personal support can they offer those they manage and/or support?

In groups, 1 looking at RAG, 1 looking at d:one Committees discuss how:

Maintaining Motivation• Achievement-set goals and set boundaries at the beginning

• Review and evaluate regularly

• Recognition-give praise and provide a sense of accomplishment

• Interest in the work itself-meet with them regularly, foster belonging

• Responsibility-ownership is vital• Advancement/growth-listen to your volunteers what do they

want to achieve...how can this role help them develop.

Tools in your box• The SU staff• Officer Trustees• Training• Regular communication• Clear task setting • Delegation• Professional boundaries• Resources• Flexible working hours• Your volunteer programmes

Sakaduski’s 10 Commandments of Volunteer Management

1. Do unto volunteers as you would have them do unto you

2. Thou shalt not kill enthusiasm3. Thou shalt not steal ideas4. Thou shalt not squander volunteers’ time5. Thou shalt not forget that there is more than

one way to skin a cat

Sakaduski’s 10 Commandments of Volunteer Management

6. Thou shalt honour they volunteers and convey gifts of kindness unto them

7. Thou shalt not bear false witness8. Thou shalt watch over thy volunteers, keeping

them into order9. Thou shalt give rest to those who labour10.Thou shalt seek flexibility

“Quand tu veux construire un bateau, ne commence pas par rassembler du bois, couper des planches et distribuer du

travail, mais réveille au sein des hommes le désir de la mer grande et large. ”

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the

sea”

Antoine de Saint-Exupery