1. Munster GAA – ‘Club Voice Day’ November 7 th 2009

2. Volunteers are the life and soul of every GAA club. The GAA in unrivalled in terms of the number of volunteers that provide endless hours of service to run the association’s many GAA clubs. GAA Volunteers feel valued and have a sense of pride that they have contributed to their Club.

3. 1. Because they were asked 2. To do something that they love doing 3. To keep busy 4. To make new friends 5. Because their children are involved 6. To give something back to the Association 7. To be involved in a successful club/organisation 8. Tradition of involvement in the family

4. It is important to be aware of these reasons. 1. They were not asked 2. They don’t have time due to work and family pressure 3. They feel that they don’t have the necessary skills 4. Fear of a heavy workload 5. Fear that once they get involved, they will be involved forever 6. They don’t know anything about the club/organisation 7. They don’t have any confidence in the club/organisation

5. These are important as it only takes a small gesture to encourage a person to remain as a volunteer. 1. They feel valued 2. They feel their contribution is respected 3. They feel part of the group and do not feel excluded from decision making 4. They feel a sense of pride that they have contributed to the club

6. The best way to ensure continued volunteering in the Club is to retain those already involved. The best way to retain existing volunteers is to appreciate and acknowledge what ever they do, no matter how small their contribution is. The positive stories of existing volunteers will help in attracting new volunteers.

7. Club Image is key to success. The Club must have a positive image in the local community. Club must be seen as open, vibrant and welcoming to all. People want to be part of a Club that is positive and well managed. People like to have confidence in the Club and know it has a future. Good external communication needed to build a positive image.

8. The importance of a job description - People like to know what they are getting into. Approaching New Volunteers: The first thing to do is ASK them to get involved Give them specific tasks and a job description Assure them of back-up and support

9. Some parents will have a GAA background and others will not. If parents see their children enjoying their involvement in a safe environment, they are more likely to get involved. A few steps to getting parents involved: Introduce them to the Club and existing volunteers Invite parents to juvenile coaching sessions and games Invite them to a social event Keep them well informed on all Club activities

10. Be organised – people want their time to be productive Be welcoming – everyone can play a role no matter how small Encourage people – make people feel they are making a valuable contribution Recognise and praise effort – a simple ‘Thank You’ Keep volunteers well informed of the Club’s progress The 3 R’s - Recruitment Respect Retain

11. Is it well managed / structured? Has it a good image / well respected? Is it active / interesting / welcoming? Is it fair to everyone? Is it forward thinking? Is there positive and enjoyable involvement for children / youth players?

12. Once Volunteers are willing to help we should remember the following: Bring them along and formally introduce them to the Club Let them know how things work Be clear and specific about what you want them to do Avoid over-loading them Make sure they feel part of a team Provide them with support – Mentor them Give them variety Provide training Constantly acknowledge Volunteers

13. What can we do to ensure current volunteers feel valued? How can we run our activities more efficiently to encourage involvement from volunteers? How can we develop a better relationship with current/past players to encourage them to become volunteers? How can we change Club structures to encourage more delegation? How can we make all volunteers more valued in our Club? Name 3 initiatives to attract and retain high quality volunteers in your Club?