3 Truths About Volunteerism in 2021

Doing business of any sort looks different now. The same holds true about volunteerism. I wrote a blog in 2018 titled 6 Truths About Volunteers. While I still uphold those truths, some reference frames don't quite fit as we begin 2021. One of the many challenges for nonprofit organizations is considering how best to utilize an existing volunteer base and recruit new volunteers while our services have moved to a remote or semi-remote format.

There are two main driving forces to volunteer recruitment and management:

1) Volunteers expand the organization's capacity to deliver on their mission, and they help the paid staff execute tasks or projects that cannot get done without them, and

2) Volunteers develop a sense of community and loyalty to the organization, champion the cause, and are more likely to donate and encourage new donors.

Now that we have changed the way we do business to varying degrees and we have learned to think more nimbly and creatively, here are three additional ways to consider volunteerism at your organization:

What can volunteers do from home or in safe units? If your office is working most of the time remotely, it can be hard to re-imagine the volunteer program that used to be based at the office. I guarantee there are things volunteers can do from home or with small groups of individuals that they know and feel safe. It will require additional coaching on your part and an extra piece of trust (which is why carefully choosing your volunteers matters more now). Still, volunteers can help you take on that additional mailing, deliver donor recognition gifts for a more personalized approach, or deliver extra supplies your clients need to thrive or survive.

How can we intentionally create community now? For example, volunteers at schools have the power to help form a community through the social and fundraising activities that they organize or activate. With many of those things not happening, school leaders worry that new families will not feel connected to the school and are vulnerable to attrition. More one on one and small group online gatherings are what is needed. Online platforms don't lend themselves to creating deep connections in large groups, but there are endless and creative options for connections in small groups. To do this well, you need even more volunteers to lead the small groups. And, I would expect you to ask, 'Who will help me with all the new volunteers and managing the new programs?"

Temporarily re-organize staff. You might not need some of your team in the same way as they were even a few months ago. For example, bus drivers may not have students or clients to transport in the same numbers. The athletic director does not have as much to do when the state has restricted winter sports, and the box office staff can't sell tickets when the city government limits access. Some of those staff members can be re-organized to coach and manage volunteers, thereby doubling or tripling the development office or client services' capacity. Additionally, some of your most loyal and productive volunteers no longer have a volunteer role at your organization because of your business's changing nature. Consider ways to create a volunteer management structure with some of your best volunteers in new roles as leaders of other volunteers.

Volunteer programs succeed and grow because a volunteer management team understands the job they are asking volunteers to do and are willing and able to actively coach, manage, and encourage each volunteer in their role. Volunteer managers know that volunteers need meaningful work that speaks to their skillset and allows them to be acknowledged within the organization for their excellent work. By expanding the number of people available to manage volunteers and re-thinking the ways that volunteers can contribute, organizations will be able to make the sorts of shifts needed in their volunteer program to expand capacity and meet their goals in 2021.

Since I was a teenager, I have managed volunteers and volunteer programs, and I have great respect and love for volunteers! Their passion, dedication, and creativity inspire me. I also know that those same qualities can morph into entitlement, anger, and disruptiveness if not actively and correctly managed. If you would like guidance and support in managing your changing volunteer program, reach out, and we will think about it together.

The author, Jill Goodman, is a consultant working with independent school leaders to advance their school’s mission, enhance their processes, and bolster their skills.