From Recruitment to Training and Retention Diana Avendano, Neighborhood Legal Services Nina Magno, Community Legal Services Trinidad 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 2

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PROSCONS  Outreach to Community  Increase in productivity  Time needed to train and manage volunteer 4

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What are theWhat are the common characteristicscommon characteristics of a successful volunteer? of a successful volunteer? 6

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8 Volunteer TypesExamples Career ExperienceJob Seekers, Recent Graduates Course CreditStudents Scholarships and GrantsWork Study Participants, Interns Volunteer RequirementsHigh School Students AltruismCommunity Members

9 Volunteer TypesExamples of Sources Career ExperienceWalk-in volunteers Interpreter Programs Course CreditLocal Paralegal Programs Local Colleges and Universities Scholarships and GrantsLocal Colleges and Universities Americorps Programs -JusticeCorps -Public allies Volunteer RequirementsHigh School Students AltruismCommunity Centers for Senior Citizens

 Fortifying relationship with existing Partner Organizations  Creating new partnership with organizations and schools 10

 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 11

 Matching volunteers to their interests and your needs.  Choosing motivated volunteers who will follow through on their commitment to the organization 12

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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 Fee Waivers Restraining Orders PaternityDivorce 14

 Training Presentation  Interactive trainings  Shadowing & Observing  Review of Cases and Forms 15

 Existing materials and instructions that can be reviewed during regular operating hours  Forms  Library and research resources  Samples  Internet Resources 16

 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 20

 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 21

What are your ideas for recognizing volunteers? 22