4 Solid Tips for Great Volunteer Relations

1. Identify a volunteer coordinator. There needs to be one point person for volunteers (as opposed to each department handling it independently) to recruit, manage, cajole, trouble-shoot, stroke, and advocate for
2. Once you identify those tasks that volunteers can do, write job descriptions, including number of hours expected to work and necessary qualifications.  2a.  be sure there’s real work to be done (for a special project or on an ongoing basis)and that you’re not creating a position that’s just killing time. Volunteers deserve their efforts to be valued and needed
3. Create a hiring process for your volunteers that includes a screening procedure and a way to compassionately end the relationship, if necessary
4. Develop a plan for volunteer recognition and appreciation