1. Advanced Volunteer Management: Topics & Trends
Hot Topic #2:
Episodic Volunteering
Alison Jones-Nassar, CVA

2. Hot Topic #2: Episodic Volunteering
“The number one most transformational trend…is the increasing propensity of prospective volunteers to seek short-term volunteer positions.
“The long-term volunteer of the past who was willing to give a great deal of time to a single organization over many years is disappearing at an alarming rate.
“It is increasingly rare for a volunteer to commit to many hours in a long term, ongoing position.”
- “Emerging Trends” by Linda Graff

3. Hot Topic #2: Episodic Volunteering
WHAT:
Self-contained & time-specific projects with a beginning and an end
Clearly defined goals & objectives
Time commitment can be half or full day, one or more weeks, typically not more than six months
Tangible results that connect to the bigger picture
Examples: signature fundraising event, Day of Service, week-long service camp, semester-long internship, creating a policy manual or brochure

4. Hot Topic #2: Episodic Volunteering
WHO:
Individuals: youth, young adult, professional, retired
Examples: high school seniors, undergrad or graduate level interns, working professionals, boomers, court-appointed
Small or large groups: families, scout troops, corporate groups, congregations, service clubs
Examples: youth ministry, fraternity or sorority, corporate Annual Day of Service, Eagle project, parent-child team

5. Hot Topic #2: Episodic Volunteering
BEST PRACTICES:
Communication - what
What do they need to hear from you?
What do you need to hear from them?
Facilitation - how
What are the project parameters/logistics and how will they be executed?
Connection - why
What’s the big picture and why will this service project matter to the organization/clients?

6. Hot Topic #2: Episodic Volunteering
Sustained volunteers who stay forever?
Satisfied volunteers
Happy volunteers
Excited volunteers
Volunteers who understand what you do, who you serve, and why it matters
Volunteers who (might) want to know more….
Volunteers who (might) want to do more….
What is the end game??

7. Hot Topic #2: Episodic Volunteering
Initial contact
Planning
Initiation
Completion
Cultivation

8. Hot Topic #2: Episodic Volunteering
Tips to remember:
Initial contact: What do you need to know immediately to say maybe, yes, or no….
Planning: Communication that is professional, thorough, and timely will build trust…
Project initiation: Remember that careless planning will reflect poorly on you and the organization…

9. Hot Topic #2: Episodic Volunteering
Tips to remember:
Project completion: Do everything you can to make sure their departure is positive…
Cultivation: Opportunities for feedback, additional service, and regular communications deepen connections….
Remember the end game!

10. What are your challenges?
Hot Topic #2: Episodic Volunteering
What are your challenges?
How can you apply the best practices to improve the experience or outcomes?