Today’s Library Volunteer: A Force Today’s Library Volunteer: A Force to Be Reckoned With (Part 1) to Be Reckoned With (Part 1)

Presenter: Andrew Sanderbeck

Waynesville, NC

Building Relationships with Building Relationships with VolunteersVolunteers

The first step in nurturing a good relationship between staff members and volunteers involves making sure volunteers are not merely an afterthought!

Setting the Tone for a Setting the Tone for a Volunteer Program Volunteer Program

■ conducting a strategic planning process in which all staff members determine where the organization is heading and then discuss how volunteers can help meet goals

■ dedicating a staff person—ideally a full-time director of volunteers—to oversee and manage the program

■ requiring good structure and policies that will guide volunteer activities

■ using volunteer help themselves; for example, the director can have a volunteer assistant or use volunteers on special projects she is

coordinating

 

Setting the Tone for a Setting the Tone for a Volunteer Program Volunteer Program

■ incorporating “working with volunteers” into staff job descriptions

■ making sure that staff roles are clear and that staff needs are being met first; for example, does every staff member have a written job description that accurately and are they recognized for a job well done?

■ training staff to supervise and work with volunteers

■ rewarding staff who work well with volunteers; and

■ incorporating volunteers into the organizational chart

 

How to Generate How to Generate Conflict Between Paid Conflict Between Paid Staff and Volunteers Staff and Volunteers

Don’t involve staff in the decisions as to if and how to utilize volunteers within the library. Everybody loves a surprise.

Don’t plan in advance the job descriptions or support and supervision systems for the volunteers. These things will work themselves out if you just give them time. 

Accept everyone who volunteers for a position, regardless of whether you think they are over-qualified or under-qualified. 

Assume that anyone who volunteers can pick up whatever skills or knowledge they need as they go along. 

 

Valuing VolunteersValuing Volunteers

Methods for Reaching Out to Volunteers

 One-on-One Personal ContactCommittee MeetingsVolunteer NewsletterWebsite Communication

Valuing VolunteersValuing Volunteers

E-Mail Do’s

Use E-Mail as a follow-up

Use E-Mail to document a conversation

Use E-Mail as one of many ways to make an announcement and to give thanks

Use E-Mail to send information

Use E-Mail to send reminders

Retaining VolunteersRetaining Volunteers

Discover What Motivates Him/HerProvide Regular FeedbackOffer Special Privileges and PerksSend Volunteers to ConferencesBe AvailableProvide Free FoodHave Fun!Thank the Family of the Volunteer

Valuing VolunteersValuing Volunteers

Maintaining Contact with Volunteers

There's no substitute for maintaining effective communication with your volunteers! The time you spend making sure that the lines of communication are open between your library and the individuals who freely share their time, you'll be on your way to cultivating solid relationships with volunteers who are likely to remain loyal to your organization for many years to come.

Where to Find New and Where to Find New and Seasoned VolunteersSeasoned Volunteers

Did you know that more than 50% of people who volunteer do so because they are asked to by a friend, co-worker or acquaintance?

Five Ideas for Attracting Five Ideas for Attracting VolunteersVolunteers

1. Imprint your logo and volunteer message on colorful balloons

2. Offer a “No obligation trial period” for new volunteers to give them a chance to see if they like the job (and you!). This can allay their fears and help you assess them.

3. Spread the word about your organization at business networking events like your local Chamber of Commerce.

4. Write a short, simple recruitment “slogan” that becomes your volunteer brand and weave it into every communication.

5. Connect with larger local businesses to develop a relationship that promotes your volunteer opportunities to their workforce.

How to Reach New How to Reach New Volunteers Volunteers

The Best Use of Social Networking

www.volunteermatch.org

www.dosomething.org

www.energizeinc.com

http://app.beextra.org/

www.craigslist.org

““I’m Interested”…Now What?I’m Interested”…Now What?

First Date

Second Date

Remember: No, only means “Not Now”

Questions and CommentsQuestions and Comments

Thanks for AttendingThanks for Attending

See You Tomorrow for Session #2!!

Thursday, May 5th, 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

Hotel Room Location: Orange