“We need more volunteers!” is right up there with “We need more money!” in terms of the nonprofit sector’s hot topics, most common gripes, and most often heard pleas. Endlessly discussed as a challenge in organizations, large and small, the problem of needing more people to accomplish organizational goals doesn’t seem to be going away. In fact, the need may be more urgently felt than ever as organizations are trying to deliver more impact with fewer resources.
Why is volunteer recognition so important? Why do we leave it to once a year to recognize our volunteers? How can we make a difference throughout the year? These are key questions we should be asking ourselves as we plan for the coming year.
Volunteers and staff have all experienced a wayward member who is considered the loose cannon in the organization, known for wreaking havoc on boards and committees. By not addressing the issues caused by this person, you may be putting your organization at risk.
For a long time now, the adopted viewpoint in the nonprofit sector is that volunteering is the best route to a job. Anecdotal evidence affirms the truth in that statement. But how does that overarching goal fall in line with organizational objectives? Is it helpful or detrimental?
When homeless guests enter the Mustard Seed in Calgary Alberta, they receive more than coffee, a bagged lunch or a shaving kit. They receive a warm welcome from staff and from a volunteer who truly “gets” their situation. Like the guest, that volunteer has likely slept in the street that night. While there are benefits to nonprofits making use of volunteers who are also beneficiaries of the services provided, there are challenges as well.
This article describes a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to volunteer program evaluation.
Does your nonprofit use interns? If so, here’s a question your human-resources managers need to be asking: Is your internship program potentially exposing your organization to legal action?
This article outlines why it is imperative to have policies and procedures when working with volunteers and helps you get started with designing your own.
This article provides lists of the top ten usual and not-so-usual places to find new volunteers.
This article outlines ways to effectively recruit and integrate volunteers who are new immigrants to Canada.
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