Abstract

To make your project attractive to volunteers, it is helpful to consider what they might be thinking ― even before they begin serving. This effective practice shares issues from a volunteer’s perspective, and was submitted by Hands On Network in fall 2006.

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Issue

Expect a little performance anxiety with new volunteers, whether it is their first time with your program or the first time volunteering ever.

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Action

As a program director or supervisor, you should be able to answer the following questions that may be posed (spoken or unspoken) by your volunteers:

• What time is the project?
• How do I get there?
• Is parking available?
• Is there shuttle and/or public transportation?
• Whom do I meet when I get there and where do I meet them?
• What are the tasks that I can sign up for?
• What should I wear?
• What should I bring?
• Do I feel like my participation is enthusiastically received?
• When I arrive, what will I see?
• How will I know where to go?
• Who will greet me?
• After I arrive at the site, will I get clear directions on what to do?
• Will I understand why this work is important to the agency/school?
• Will food and beverages be provided?
• Is what's being asked of me reasonable?
• Is it safe and do I have the capability to do it?
• Is it fun?
• Is the project happening in a way that is exciting, positive, and productive?
• Do I feel like my presence is important in the work being done?
• Does someone check with me after I start working?
• Is there someone readily available to answer questions as I work on my task?
• Is there enough work to do and adequate materials and supplies to complete it?
• Where can I go to take a break, get something to drink, warm up, or cool down?
• Can I be reassigned to another task if I don't enjoy what I'm doing or feel I'm not effective?
• After the work is finished, who will let me know if what I did was important and effective?
• Was I appreciated for my time and contributions?
• If I had questions, was it easy to get accurate and complete answers?
• If I have an idea or a complaint, how do I give input or make a suggestion?
• What made me want to sign up for this project?

To address any potential concerns, compile a list of things volunteers should know about the project and include this information in an e-mail correspondence. Be certain to send this greeting to all the volunteers who sign up for your project.

Your pre-event correspondence to volunteers should include the following:

• Welcome and introduction
• Thank you for volunteering
• Project site address and part of town
• Date and time of project
• Meeting area/when to meet
• Tasks/schedule for the day
• What to bring
• What to wear/not to wear
• Whom to contact if change in plans
• Directions, parking, transportation
• Thank you, again

Send this information in an e-mail to volunteers when they register and again the week of the project. If task or position descriptions are included, make sure the language is simple and clear — particularly concerning any special skills or conditions required for participation.

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Context

Most people experience some degree of trepidation before taking on a volunteer opportunity. Keeping participants informed about project activities with straightforward and professional communication — regardless of the scope of the project — will help them feel at ease.

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Posted On

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For More Information

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Resources

This effective practice is one in a series on volunteer leveraging from the Hands On Network. Read all of the Hands On effective practices.

For more information, see the following resources:

• Project Development Guidebook
• Volunteer Project Information Form
• On-site Project Management Guidebook

Source Documents

Related Practices

• Keeping volunteers motivated by maintaining positive communication

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Related sites

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