1. Developing a Volunteer Satisfaction Plan (Retention Strategy)
Why do folks stick around?
Nancy A. Gaston, CVA
9/12/2018

2. Activity Think about one of your longest-serving volunteers.
Why has that person stayed so long? Do you know? Have you ever asked? What would you guess to be the reason or reasons?
How might that apply to other volunteers?
We have a volunteer who has answered this advertisement.
We have completed the interview. selected this volunteer, and have decided on a placement for him.
What can we do to retain this volunteer so we can get the most benefit for our organization?
9/12/2018

3. Retention depends on the whole cycle. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
Volunteer Satisfaction Plan includes:
Orientation—do they feel informed?
Training – do they feel competent?
Evaluation—do they feel respected?
Recognition—do they feel valued?
Retention begins with the first CONTACT
There are many elements in a Satisfaction Plan. We are only going to focus on these. Other elements are found on the “Volunteer Program Readiness Assessment form.”
9/12/2018

4. Orientation Confirms the match
Connects volunteer to others and to the mission.
How to assure this will happen:
Involve current volunteers, manager
Include “successful” volunteer stories
Provide refreshments.
Decide how you want to do orientation – group, individual
Will it happen before the interviews or after the interviews – Orientation can be a screening tool – Invite anyone who is interested to come learn more about you before making a decision to apply.
Put it on the calendar
What is best day/time for an orientation?
9/12/2018

5. Elements of Training Is it animated? Is it enjoyable?
Does it use various methods and media?
Does it welcome questions?
Is it ongoing?
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6. Involving Volunteers in Program Evaluation
Volunteer Valuation – Not Evaluation
Can the volunteer offer ideas and even suggest a change in duties or position?
Is there an exit interview?
9/12/2018

7. Recognition—all along the way
Is the volunteer greeted EVERY shift?
Is the volunteer thanked EVERY shift?
Does each volunteer have a name badge?
Is the person told the difference he or she makes?
Are recognition events FUN?
9/12/2018

8. Lead to Build and Retain
Go to the people. Live among them. Learn from them. Love them. Start with what they know. Build on what they have. But of the best leaders, when their task is accomplished, when their work is done ... the people will remark: 'We have done it ourselves.'
-often quoted by John Perkins
9/12/2018