This document discusses strategies for strengthening volunteer programs. It identifies challenges volunteers and employees may face, such as lack of time or money. It then provides six prescriptions to address these challenges, such as designing meaningful volunteer positions, assessing skills, and developing volunteer leaders. The goal is to enhance volunteer programs and take advantage of increased interest in volunteering to help communities.

1. The Doctor is In: Curing what ails your volunteer program

2. Though government has an important role to play in meeting the many challenges that remain before us, we are coming to understand that no organization, including government, will fully succeed without the active participation of each of us. Volunteers are vital to enabling this country to live up to the true promise of its heritage. ---President Bill Clinton

3. 1 Understand the challenges and opportunities Identify strategies to address challenges and capitalize on the opportunities for volunteer involvement Determine actions to enhance the perception of volunteers Today’s Learning Objectives 2 3

4. How are Volunteers Feeling? I can’t afford to volunteer We are suffering financially People are less likely to think about the needs of others Fear of the future Difficult emotions cause people to withdraw I want to help People showing their appreciation keeps me coming back Current events spiked my interest I want to make friends I want to get involved in the community Negative Positive Understand the challenges and opportunities Negative Positive

5. How are Employees Feeling? I don’t have time to train a new volunteer I don’t have anything for them to do I can’t count on volunteers They can’t do my job, it’s too complicated ? ? I need help Reliable volunteers keep coming back I can recommend friends to our programs Volunteers become donors ? ? Negative Positive Understand the challenges and opportunities Negative Positive

6. The economic impact is: Increased demand for services Less revenue to deliver services Every agency is taking different paths Increases in volunteer availability Highly skilled “pro-bono” volunteers 1 2 3 4 5 6 Agencies competing for “good” volunteers

7. Welcome the change Define opportunities 6 Prescriptions for success Framing the Challenges Identify strategies to address challenges and capitalize on the opportunities 1 2

8. Prescription 1 Design positions to address current needs Reception Desk Education & Training Data Entry AOCs DAT Instructors ? ?

9. Prescription 2 Assess volunteers Ask them to tell you what they can do Follow their lead Mention other volunteers who do similar activities Gauge skill level Don’t be afraid to offer up other agencies

10. Prescription 3 Develop volunteer leaders Support and reduce demands on your time View volunteers as integral to your service delivery Not just nice “helpers”

11. Prescription 4 Tap into job seekers as volunteers Highly skilled “pro-bono” volunteers Looking to enhance their resume Become future spokespersons

12. Prescription 5 Work well with volunteers Say “Hello” and introduce yourself Smile and say “Thank You” often Recognize their efforts regularly Ask a “highly skilled” volunteer for advice Be respectful of their time

13. Determine actions 1 to enhance the volunteers program Determine challenges Coach staff and current volunteers Streamline volunteers process Provide resources ??? ??? 2 3 4 5 6

14. We are expecting a renewal of civic spirit and an increase in interest and participation in volunteering. Many wonder what would be possible if we transformed public good will into solutions for our neighbors and the organization that serve them. Increased donations of volunteer time and talent are critical additions to our current philanthropic gifts of money and goods, but it will require a major shift in the way many people think about service. Fortunately that’s starting to occur. The entire notion of volunteering is undergoing a radical transformation; what has long been seen as nice has increasingly become necessary. ---Sue Carter, CEO of Volunteer San Diego