Help me if you can, I’m feeling down
And I do appreciate you being ’round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won’t you please, please help me?
– The Beatles
No one wants their volunteers to feel down. Help your volunteers get their feet back on the ground with these ten ways to help your volunteers lead and do the work of the association.
Help volunteers…
…Make Better Decisions With:
- Easy to digest visual dashboards to communicate association metrics.
- Reminders about key decisions made in the past.
- Industry trends (both your industry and associations in general).
- Preparation for any action items on your meeting agendas. Think about the data and background information you must present in order for the board/committee to make the best decision possible.
…Lead the Organization With:
- A comprehensive orientation presented in an easy to follow (and fun) format with year-round access to resources.
- Job descriptions and committee charges so expectations are clear for all volunteers.
- Evaluation of needed leadership skills and training to fill in the gaps.
…Get the Work Done With:
- Technology to track action items, assignments, and project status (Dropbox, project dashboards, task managers like ASANA, etc.).
- Realistic expectations of volunteer workloads. Set them up for success with a time commitment that aligns with their family and work obligations. Spread the load by engaging more volunteers if needed.
- Clear priorities for the association through strategic goals. There may not be such a thing as a “bad idea,” but not every idea has to happen right now.
Finally, genuinely caring about your volunteer partners will go a long way toward a strong relationship, fulfilling volunteer experiences and advancing your association’s goals.
There’s nothing you can make that can’t be made
No one you can save that can’t be saved
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time
It’s easy…All you need is love
– The Beatles