1. © Copyright 2008, NorthSky Nonprofit Network. All rights reserved. Getting Started with Your New Volunteer Presented by:

2. Introductions 2-minute refresher: the new volunteer demographic Designing a volunteer orientation session Training techniques Components of a volunteer manual Workshop evaluation Workshop Agenda

3. Different profile – different needs Important to create roles that meet needs Essential to have the structure in place Important to involve staff and gain support Infrastructure is critical for success Successful recruitment relies on relationships Two Minute Refresher The New Volunteer

4. Younger Busier Seeking meaningful opportunities Impatient with time-wasting activities Desire social connections Some are donors Graduation requirements create a pool of younger volunteers Some are looking for job experience, training, re-entry to employment Profile of the New Volunteer

5. Motivates and excites the volunteer Prepares the individual for success Builds team relationships Educates to be an ambassador Successful orientation of the New Volunteer

6. Be ready- name tag, handbook, equipment, etc. Be warm & welcoming; enthusiastic Spend sufficient time Reinforce the importance of their role Enthusiastic introductions to others Involve other volunteers in welcome Successful orientation motivates & excites

7. Provide thorough instructions on organization, volunteer role, and equipment Provide written resource & contact information Encourage & respond to questions Identify a volunteer “buddy” Schedule a follow-up date Successful orientation prepares for success

8. Involve other team members in orientation Notify and prepare team of volunteer role & start date Introduce to other team members Provide contact names & phone numbers Successful orientation builds team relationships

9. Provide verbal & written information: mission, values, systems and structure, history, future plans Discuss volunteer’s role as an ambassador - give examples Discuss volunteer’s role in customer service - give examples Review the 200-word water cooler message Successful orientation educates to be an ambassador

10. __Overview of organizational mission, values, history, services & programs, structure, future plans __Tour __Overview of department, introduction to executive team, staff & volunteers __Review written position description __Job instructions __Risk management issues __Relevant policies & procedures __Time log & absences __Equipment (as pertinent) –phones, copy machine, etc. __Policies __Dress code Successful orientation checklist

11. The objective of training is to equip volunteers with appropriate skills and knowledge to carry out the work they have agreed to perform effectively. Successful orientation training techniques

12. Skills needed to perform the task/position. Knowledge and information needed to perform the task/position. Attitudes needed for healthy and successful performance of the position Successful orientation training techniques

13. Two types of training: Formal: Classroom Field trips Role plays Case studies Informal: On-the-job demonstration Successful orientation training techniques

14. Successful orientation training techniques Individuals generally have a preferred style of learning: Auditory (they like the lecture) Visual (they like the transparencies and handouts) Kinesthetic (they like exercises and self- learning activities) A good trainer includes all styles so as to reach a diverse audience.

15. Successful orientation training techniques The energy of your audience will fluctuate Early morning is generally best for lecture Mid-morning optimal for group involvement Late morning best time for tough work – people most alert After lunch- use participant involvement

16. Other tips: Use your voice and body to retain participant attention. Use stories and examples to make your points Successful orientation training techniques

17. Concentrate all Volunteer reference materials into an easy handbook Influence Volunteer behavior and practice Educate Volunteer as to roles and responsibilities Improve Volunteer productivity and efficiency Ensure all Volunteers are “on the same page”- consistency Jump-start new Volunteers’ participation & contributions Insure legal compliance Provides a tool for managing challenging volunteers The Volunteer Manual purpose

18. 1. Welcome 2. Table of Contents 3. Overview of organizational mission, values, history, services & programs, structure, future plans 4. Contact names and numbers 5. Telephone use and instructions 6. Volunteer role descriptions 7. Code of Conduct 8. Time log/ reporting 9. Policies Reporting hours Safety Dress code Absenteeism Smoking Confidentiality Internet use __ The Volunteer Manual components

19. Other tips: Make it skim able – easy to quickly reference Use pictures, charts, graphics Update the manual annually Involve volunteers in reviews and updates The Volunteer Manual other guidelines

20. What Questions Do You Have?

21. Volunteer Center of the United Way of Northwest Michigan www.startherestaynear.com

22. NorthSky Resource Center www.northskynonprofitnetwork.org

23. Thank You Contact NorthSky at: 231.929.3934 Presented by: