From Recruitment to Training and Retention

Diana Avendano, Neighborhood Legal ServicesNina Magno, Community Legal ServicesTrinidad Ocampo, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

To help us think about efficiency when in the process of recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers

To help us create a continuous stream of trained volunteers

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PROS CONS

Outreach to Community

Increase in productivity

Time needed to train and manage volunteer

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What are the What are the common characteristicscommon characteristics

of a successful volunteer?of a successful volunteer?

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Volunteer Types Examples

Career Experience Job Seekers, Recent Graduates

Course Credit Students

Scholarships and Grants Work Study Participants, Interns

Volunteer Requirements High School Students

Altruism Community Members

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Volunteer Types Examples of Sources

Career Experience Walk-in volunteersInterpreter Programs

Course Credit Local Paralegal ProgramsLocal Colleges and Universities

Scholarships and Grants Local Colleges and UniversitiesAmericorps Programs-JusticeCorps-Public allies

Volunteer Requirements High School Students

Altruism Community Centers for Senior Citizens

Fortifying relationship with existing Partner Organizations

Creating new partnership with organizations and schools

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Recruitment Timeline◦ Thinking one or two season’s ahead

Publicizing your Organization◦ Volunteer applications◦ Job Descriptions

Administrative Matters◦ Orientation, Contracts, and Agreements

Supervision and Documentation

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Matching volunteers to their interests and your needs.

Choosing motivated volunteers who will follow through on their commitment to the organization

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Provide training based on the expected time commitment and skill level

Train all volunteers on Center operations ◦ Intake and Screening issues

Staggered trainings to build on skill levels

Be open to different learning styles and various learning curves

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Training Presentation

Interactive trainings

Shadowing & Observing

Review of Cases and Forms

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Existing materials and instructions that can be reviewed during regular operating hours

Forms

Library and research resources

Samples

Internet Resources

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Local Bar Association events

Court resources◦ Clerks ◦ Judges and Commissioners◦ Law Librarian

Finding time to train

◦Brown Bag Lunches

◦After Hours Training

◦Give homework type assignments

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Stipends Career experience Educational incentives Network Opportunities New Challenges

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Present Certificates Party/Celebration to:

◦ present certificates◦ recognize birthdays (each birthday or monthly)

Organize Social Events and Potlucks Give Awards

◦ Volunteer of the month◦ Volunteers who have served a year or more

Offer Letters of Recommendation

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What are your ideas for recognizing volunteers?

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