The Power of Volunteers Moving from Surface to Societal Impact Eric Somerville YMCA of Central Maryland Emily Holthaus YMCA of the USA

Session Overview Difference Between Surface Impact vs Societal Impact Organizational Assessment Exercise The Case for Deeper Impact Exploring Bright Spots Moving towards Societal Impact Group Activity Bringing it Home

Video https://youtu.be/bhwT5qGVRUQ

Discuss

TRANSFORM OUR THINKING… The Power of Volunteers | ©2017 YMCA of the USA What does the community, staff, and beneficiaries need? What type of impact are you imagining? What should WE do next? Created by all and evaluated by all!!! Should you define the impact first, then figure out how to measure it? Invite those more skilled than you are. 22

Assess .

Exploring Bright Spots

HOW

The NOAH Model Staff Needs Volunteer Needs Constituent Needs

EXERCISE

Round Robin Discussion WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO the MODEL? What do you think PREVENTS US FROM REGULARLY ENGAGING VOLUNTEERS IN THIS WAY? What POTENTIAL DO YOU SEE WITHIN this type of volunteer engagement?

What Prevents Us from Engaging with Volunteers in this Way? Not Matching Volunteers’ Skills with Assignments Opposition towards rethinking work roles Our limited view of volunteers: help versus talent We mis-identify volunteers desired impact We don’t encourage volunteers to assume roles where they can assume leadership and control the direction of their own volunteer roles and opportunities Overlook the value of a strong volunteer network

The Potential Creates a sustainable Volunteer Model Not AS dependent on Staff for success Builds Leadership Competencies within Volunteers Millennial Friendly Enhances the personal benefits of volunteering Elevates organizational & societal Impact

Closing Video

Bringing it Home What have you heard today that could be actionable for you? What resonated with you?

Questions? Emily Holthaus Emily.Holthaus@ymca.net @emilyholthaus1 Eric Somerville ericsomerville@ymaryland.org @ericsomerville1