Understanding Volunteers

Tree City USA Bulletin 36

What Drives Volunteers to Service? It depends on the individual

Recognition Thank volunteers for their efforts. Be generous with gratitude. Volunteers need to be recognized for their work. Many people are concerned about status and prestige Will do well on high visibility projects Design projects to have well-defined outputs Avoid vague or on-going results. Recognize that volunteers need a timely return on their investment.

Recognition

Ceremonial tree plantings

Organize or take part in an Arbor Day Ceremony

Suggest that volunteers represent the city at Tree City USA awards event

Appear on television or a radio talk show

Authorize bylined articles for newspapers and magazines

Become a liaison person with government or elected officials, or with corporate officers.

Altruism/Public Duty Volunteers are concerned with the general good or public interest. People tend to be idealistic Placing high value on fairness, decisions and learning Tasks well suited for this group:  Involving all elements of a community in a project  Dealing with conflicting values  Addressing community-wide goals

Altruism/Public Duty

Planning and coordinating large tree- planting events

Organizing Arbor Day or Tree City USA award ceremonies

Serving on tree boards, and/or liaison positions with city council, planning and zoning, or other units of government.

Serving on beautification and appearance committees

Developing or improving ordinances

Affiliation These individuals need social contacts. They enjoy working with others Forming cohesive partnerships and making friends Being liked is a major concern Have a wish to support others Feel at home in a group Solo tasks are not for them

Affiliation

Participating in tree planting projects

Planning and conducting social events or workshops

Selling T-shirts, trees, memberships, etc

Developing organizational identity through logos and media promotions

Being in charge of volunteer recognition or award events and acting as a liaison with service clubs

Achievement The desire to pursue excellence drives these individuals. Concerned about perfection and being innovative May be competitive Volunteers need: Challenging tasks Constant feedback Opportunity to learn and do new things

Achievement

Liaison w/ local utilities to resolve conflicts involving trees and esthetics

Monitoring insect/disease conditions

Providing leadership in hazard tree reduction programs

Track and improve planting survival

Serve as a neighborhood tree warden or as a representative on a tree board

Power These volunteers desire to have influence Possessing authority is important They like to be involved in decision making Often feel the need to control others Directing fellow volunteers Enjoy planning Prefer to deal directly with community and political leaders

Power

Serving as a committee chair or voting member of a tree board

Directing tree planting

Developing position statements and proposals

Serving as a liaison with political figures

Helping enforce ordinance provisions

Preservation Environmental responsibility is paramount Seek to ensure that programs are eco-friendly Concerned about change Likely to be apprehensive with development Volunteers will excel at teaching Especially about environmental benefits

Preservation

Developing public education and children’s programs

Speaking at service clubs

Helping to write and enforce ordinances

Serving as a liaison with the parks commission

Fund raising

Five Steps to Successful Volunteer Management 1.Recruit Effectively 2.Provide Direction 3.Provide Orientation & Training 4.Supervise 5.Thank!

Understanding Volunteers