Volunteers in the Parks are “VIP’s”! Presented by: Holly Glainyk, Staycie Greefkes, and Rebecca Dreyer

Identifying your organizations volunteer needs Who will supervise the volunteers? What kind of projects can volunteers work on? What projects may pose safety and quality issues? Will you accept court ordered volunteers? Long term volunteers vs. short term volunteers. What is minimum age of volunteers will you except?

Writing a position description Set clear expectations for volunteers – Time requirements How many days? How many hours? – Physical challenges – Tools or transportation What you will provide What they need to provide – Age requirements – Appropriate attire

Writing a Position Description cont. Location(s) of the position – May need to give directions How many people are needed? What does the project/position entail? What training will be provided? Who will be their supervisor?

Feedback from staff Find out what volunteer needs field staff have Selling the volunteer program to field staff – What are their concerns? Safety concerns? Time concerns? – What support will office staff provide? – How do they go about requesting volunteers for a project? Dealing with resistance – Reassuring field staff volunteers are no replacement for staff.

Recruiting Volunteers Where to find volunteers? – United Way – Your organization’s website – Friend’s groups – Facebook – Craig's list – Nearby schools and churches – RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) Other ideas?

Recruiting Volunteers cont. Volunteer applications Background checks Regular volunteers vs. one-time or special event volunteers – Volunteer sign in sheets

Target Groups Huber RSVP Key Clubs Corporate groups – “Kohl’s Cares” – “Baird Gives Back” – “Serve with Liberty”

Training and Orientation Define the benefits of the volunteer work – Meeting new people – Learning – Giving back to the community – Good exercise – Spend time outside How much training depends on the position – Training could take 5 minutes, or it could take a couple hours for a long term volunteer. Safety – Safety equipment – Safe work habits

Preparing for group volunteer projects Who leads the volunteers? Tools Make sure water and bathrooms are near by How are projects determined? – Dividing large groups – Always have a back up! Check for hazards – Barbed wire – Poison ivy – Always bring first aid kit Rain dates

Recognition and Evaluation Recognize volunteers for their work – Saying Thank you! – Certificates – Recognition dinners – Discounts If I volunteer can I have… Checking in with long term volunteers Letting volunteers go

Finding work for challenging groups Young Children Groups with special needs Eagle Scouts

Contact Information Holly Glainyk- Park Program Specialist Waukesha County Park System Rebecca Dreyer- Natural Land Management Coordinator Waukesha County Park System Staycie Greefkes- Stewardship Coordinator Milwaukee County Parks