This document discusses the shifting role of volunteer engagement leaders from doers of volunteer engagement to leaders of volunteer engagement. It emphasizes establishing structure through tools like position descriptions, training, and evaluation to effectively delegate responsibilities. It encourages advocacy for the role and setting boundaries to manage expectations. Leaders are advised to focus on their strengths, build skills where needed, and empower others including volunteers. Process, delegation, follow through, and change management are presented as keys to success in the leadership role.

1. The Shifting Role of Volunteer
Engagement Leaders
Jennifer R. Bennett, CVA
Senior Manager, Education & Training
VolunteerMatch
jbennett@volunteermatch.org
@JenBennettCVA

2. Welcome!

3. Does your organization want you
to be a leader of volunteer
engagement, or a do-er of
volunteer engagement?
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4. 4
Does this sound familiar?
We need you to do more with less
Can’t you just…
It can’t be that hard to…
It’s not that much more work to…

5. 5
Share your
current
challenges
and
frustrations

6. 6
Where are
your
opportunities?

7. 7
Challenge the
status quo –
advocate for
yourself and
your work

8. How can we balance it all?
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We do a lot!
From CCVA Body of Knowledge and Competency Framework, 2015

10. What are your strengths?
• What are you good at, like to do?
– Does this work give you opportunities for leadership
or does it support the status quo?
• Where do you need to delegate or build skills?
– Look for solutions that elevate and empowers others
– especially volunteers!
– Where are the barriers?
– Where are the opportunities?
– How can you support others?
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11. How are you uniquely qualified to
be a leader of volunteers and
volunteer engagement?
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12. Create a Strong Foundation
If you can’t document what needs to be done you
can’t delegate or validate the work.
• Position descriptions
• Authority and responsibility continuums
• Policies and procedures/Handbook
• Comprehensive screening practices
• Initial and ongoing training
• Evaluation
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13. Process and Structure
When we embrace process and structure we
• Create clear lines of communication
• Have the information we need
• Set guidelines, boundaries - manage expectations
• Build buy in from paid and volunteer staff for the
work of volunteers
It’s not mean or selfish to require structure or to ask
for what you need to do your job – even in an informal
organization!
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14. Set others up for success
When we embrace process and structure we
• Create clear lines of communication
• Have the information we need
• Set guidelines, boundaries - manage expectations
• Build buy in from paid and volunteer staff for the
work of volunteers
It’s not mean or selfish to require structure or to ask
for what you need to do your job – even in an informal
organization!
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15. Practice delegation
Whether you’re delegating to paid staff or volunteer
staff remember to:
• Let go without checking out
• Practice ‘I do, we do, you do’ supervision
• Use an authority/decision making continuum
• Share your knowledge – help others successfully
engage volunteers
• Trust but evaluate
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16. You MUST follow through
Be your own gatekeeper!
• Trust your intuition and experience
• Don’t break or flex your rules – especially if
they’re working
• If they’re not working – ask for feedback, be
open to experimentation
• People will adapt
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18. Change is hard – change is scary!
The status quo feels easier. Don’t fall into this trap!
• If you do nothing, nothing will change
• You can only accomplish what you have the time
and talent to do
• If you’re only a do-er of volunteer engagement
will you, your volunteers, your organization be
ready for what you need in the future?
• What could you accomplish if you took a
chance?
• What happens if you do nothing?
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19. Set yourself up for success
• ‘Invest in yourself - pay’ yourself first
• Be clear about what you need for your
accountabilities and responsibilities
• Become your own advocate and gatekeeper
• Where are the barriers – Are you your own
barrier?
• Help others see the value in what you do
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20. Resources
CCVA Body of Knowledge and Competencies Framework
http://cvacert.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2015-CVA-
Competency-Framework-FINAL-2015-Sep-03.pdf
Practicing What We Preach: Volunteers Helping Us, Too
https://energizeinc.com/hot-topics/2012/october
VolunteerMatch’s Learning Center
http://learn.volunteermatch.org/
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