Important Points to Remember as a Volunteer Manager

Make sure everyone around you in your facility clearly understands is that:

EFFECTIVE VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS DO NO JUST HAPPEN BUT ARE THE RESULT OF THE MANY SKILLS OF A PROFESSIONAL WHO CLEARLY UNDERSTANDS THE PRINCIPLES OF VOLUNTEER ADMINISTRATION.

Just like a garden, it needs lots of attention!

Call all potential volunteers immediately. Applications and emergency contacts. Check all references.
Schedule group training sessions. Schedule later in the day, when you will be least likely to be interrupted.
Provide all new volunteers with name badges, provide a comprehensive orientation and introduce to appropriate staff.
Assign them specific duties and have sign in procedures.
Follow up to make sure everything is going well.
Provide orientation packets that look professional.
Let them know they are not free help but a valued part of the team.
Conduct police background checks and let them know why it's important.
Provide free physicals and flu shots.
Provide free lunch and snacks.
Follow up on all concerns immediately.
Show recognition on Volunteer Day. A nice luncheon goes a long way.
Nominate for all awards regarding volunteers. Place nominations in the newspaper and give them a copy of the letter. Put your letter in the facility paper.
Highlight volunteers in the facility newsletter.
Offer promotions within the volunteer core if possible.
Provide pins for each year of service.
Implement new ideas that are offered.
Send notes when they are sick. A phone call goes along way.
Send birthday cards to them.
Say "Thank you" often.
Investigate all complaints and concerns immediately.
Handle situations that are negative to a volunteer that involve other staff.
Offer in-services and training in health care issues.
At Christmas offer a nice gift basket.
Remember them on Valentine's Day.
Invite them to all special events, parties and elegant dining. They are part of the family.

NJAVA - New Jersey Association for Volunteer Administration