Creating a Positive Volunteering Environment or Good Volunteer Management: Setting the Standard Why do we have to bother? Volunteering Victoria “Connecting the Community”

Where do they Work? There are as many as 700,000 not-for-profit organisations in Australia, –most of which are small and entirely dependent on the voluntary commitment of members (Lyons). Approximately 380,000 not-for-profit organisations are incorporated in some form or another (they have a legal identity independent from their members). About 35,000 not-for-profit organisations employ staff.

Volunteering In Australia In 2005: 41% of the population were active volunteers (Giving Australia 2006). They gave 836 million hours. The largest number of hours on average were contributed by oldest and youngest volunteers –178 hours from those aged and 132 hours from those aged Economic value of volunteering estimated at $42 billion per annum (Ironmonger 2000)

Why have Volunteers??? aren't they for free ??? Volunteers are real staff Volunteering Victoria “Connecting the Community”

Volunteering is about Relationships Supervision is also about relationships – the goal of which is to empower each team member to be successful in his/hers work Volunteering Victoria “Connecting the Community”

Leadership: Passion for the mission Frequently articulated mission Demonstrated competency Accessibility Volunteering Victoria “Connecting the Community”

Recognition and acknowledgement Know your volunteers Know individual motivations Volunteering Victoria “Connecting the Community”

Expectations Need to be documented (job or role descriptions) Maintain high standard of expectation Training Mentoring Job- shadowing Volunteering Victoria “Connecting the Community”

Communication Feedback Difficult Conversations Coaching Difficult Volunteers-analyse performance problems Volunteering Victoria “Connecting the Community”

Self Assessment What are the skills you need to Lead and Manage your Volunteers? What are your strengths What are your gaps Who can help Volunteering Victoria “Connecting the Community”

National Standards: for Volunteering Involving Organizations What are they and how are they relevant to you? Volunteering Victoria “Connecting the Community”

RESOURCES National Standards for Involving Volunteers Volunteer Management : An Essential Guide. Noble Rogers & Fryar Supervising Volunteers: An action guide fro making your job easier. Lee & Catagnus

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