Surprise! When Volunteers
Do Things You Don’t Expect
Volunteer Issues Committee of
Literacy Action Network
Volunteer Management Conference 2012
How do I handle this?
Discuss your experience with Volunteers
In small groups or pairs:Volunteers who are an excellent fit in your class or programVolunteers who have presented challenges
Prevention is the Key
First ImpressionsInformal Screening
First callBrief overview of programShare volunteer expectationsVolunteer motivations
Formal ScreeningVolunteer ApplicationsInterviewBackground/Reference Checks
OrientationPosition DescriptionsRights and ResponsibilitiesConduct AgreementConfidentiality AgreementSite tourCalendarCurriculum /Resources
Ongoing Feedback
It’s a two way streetVolunteers need feedbackProgram needs feedback
from volunteers
Exit InterviewsWhat can we learn from the experience?
What worked well?How can we improve?Will you come back or refer friends?
Alternatives to Firing
o Meet with the volunteero Documentation of the situationo Going Forward
Coach by Example, CounselingRe-Assign or Re-VitalizeRefer or Retire
Terminating a Volunteer– The Meeting!
PrivateQuick, direct and absoluteAnnounce, don’t argueDon’t counselFollow-up
ScenariosSmall Group discussion
Caught Earlier?Coaching opportunity?Risk Management approachBest Solution?
Discussion with everyone
Questions?
VOLUNTEER ISSUES COMMITTEECo-chairsMaryJo Bayliss (Metro South): [email protected] Allison Runchey (MLC): [email protected]
Committee MembersTammi Bernard (Burnsville): [email protected] Jones (Metro North): [email protected] Rodriguez (St.Paul): [email protected] Thornbury [email protected](Franklin Learning Center, Minneapolis)
www.literacyactionnetwork.org
Thank you!
Literacy Action NetworkVolunteer Issues Committee
Excerpts from Handling Problem Volunteers, By Steve McCurley and Sue Vineyard, Heritage Arts Publishing/VMSystems. Found in the Energize website library at: http://www.energizeinc.com/art.html.
Excerpts from: How to Fire a Volunteer and Live to Tell About It - Document Author: Steve McCurley)
