Helping volunteers and staff who experience organizational changes
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EmailStaff can ensure that volunteers are aware of changes, feel valued in their role and have confidence in paid staff to lead them in the right direction within their organization.
Utilizing volunteers within an organization can be incredibly rewarding. Most volunteers come to an organization with content knowledge, passion and a desire to teach others. Many organizations could never be as successful or productive as they are without the expertise of volunteers.
However, organizations also experience challenges in utilizing volunteers. This often occurs when changes take place within the organization. How can an organization’s staff ensure that volunteers are aware of changes, feel valued in their role and have confidence in paid staff to lead them in the right direction?
Ideally, an organization’s staff would have all of the answers to the question’s volunteers ask. But realistically we know that isn’t possible and it’s likely that staff will get some details wrong or volunteers will misinterpret what is said or written. Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” This quote is relevant to organizations who utilize volunteers while experiencing change. An organization in change may not get all of the details of policies or procedures exactly right the first time. Looking back and emphasizing on misinformation or details that were overlooked isn’t productive. Rather it can be invigorating for staff and volunteers to work together to create what will be for the future.
A resource that staff and volunteers may find helpful is Our Shared Resources. This website provides examples of performance problems volunteers and staff may experience and suggestions for how the problems may be avoided. This resource can be used by staff working with volunteers, volunteers working with other volunteers, or staff working with other staff.
Table 1.1: Communicating with volunteers and staff in the face of problems
Problem with volunteer/staff |
Suggestions to avoid problem |
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What is required of the volunteer/staff in the position is unclear |
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Volunteer/staff contributions is not recognized |
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Volunteers/staff don’t know when they are not performing well |
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There are no opportunities for training and development |
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Managers don’t take the time to listen and understand their particular situation, changing experiences, and needs |
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Volunteers/staff doesn’t adapt well or cope well with change |
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A volunteer/staff does not have the knowledge or skills to do the job |
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There are not the resources or equipment necessary to do the job |
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Organizations that are experiencing change must acknowledge that there will be challenges when utilizing volunteers. Keeping authentic, open communication within the organization and between staff and volunteers is key to creating an environment where volunteers and staff feel valued.
