The Power of Volunteers: How to Build a Thriving Program with Volunteer Management

An estimated 23.2 percent of Americans [aged 16 and over] or more than 60.7 million people formally volunteered with organizations between September 2020 and 2021. In total, these volunteers served an estimated 4.1 billion hours with an economic value of $122.9 billion.

While the impact of volunteers is substantial, effectively managing them to have such an impact requires an investment of time along with careful planning and coordination. In this blog post, we will introduce nonprofit volunteer management, explore the key components of an effective management plan, and provide best practices to consider when developing your plan.

Understanding Nonprofit Volunteer Management

Nonprofit volunteer management refers to the process of organizing, coordinating, and overseeing the activities of volunteers within a nonprofit organization. It involves developing strategies, policies, and procedures to effectively recruit, train, engage, and retain volunteers who contribute their time, skills, and energy to support the organization’s mission and objectives.

Effective nonprofit volunteer management ensures that volunteers are engaged, motivated, and valued for their contribution. It creates a supportive environment that maximizes their contributions, promotes volunteer satisfaction, and helps the nonprofit achieve its mission and serve the community more effectively.

Developing a Volunteer Management Plan

While managing volunteers can be immensely rewarding, it also comes with challenges and can be a time-intensive endeavor for nonprofit staff. Developing a volunteer management plan can help ensure you are prepared for the responsibilities of volunteer management and can build a solid foundation for a strong volunteer program.

Below are several key components to include and consider when creating a successful nonprofit volunteer management plan:

1. Assess your organization’s volunteer needs and goals:

Identify the specific areas where volunteers can make a significant impact and align them with your organization’s mission and objectives.

2. Recruit and select volunteers effectively:

Develop a targeted recruitment strategy, leverage multiple channels to reach potential volunteers, and establish a streamlined selection process to ensure a good fit between volunteers and available roles.

3. Train and orient volunteers for their roles:

Provide thorough training to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their positions. Create an orientation program to familiarize them with the organization’s mission, values, and policies.

4. Establish clear communication channels and guidelines:

Develop effective communication protocols to keep volunteers informed, engaged, and connected. Establish guidelines for reporting, feedback, and conflict resolution.

5. Create a supportive and inclusive volunteer environment:

Foster a positive and inclusive culture that values the contributions of all volunteers. Provide ongoing support, mentorship, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

6. Implement effective recognition and appreciation strategies:

Recognize and appreciate volunteers regularly, acknowledging their hard work and impact. Celebrate milestones, provide meaningful rewards, and create a culture of gratitude.

7. Evaluate volunteer performance and program effectiveness:

Continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of volunteers and the overall effectiveness of your volunteer program. Use feedback mechanisms, surveys, and data analysis to make informed improvements.

Best Practices for Nonprofit Volunteer Management

In addition to the steps outlined above, consider the following best practices to enhance your volunteer management:
 

• Embrace a volunteer-centric approach, valuing the needs and aspirations of your volunteers.
• Encourage volunteer leadership and involvement, allowing them to take ownership of their roles and make meaningful contributions.
• Regularly review and update your volunteer management plan to adapt to changing circumstances and evolving needs.
• Utilize technology and volunteer management software to streamline administrative tasks and improve communication and coordination.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in your volunteer recruitment and retention efforts, ensuring representation and fairness.