Be Strategic in Your Volunteer Development

We all understand volunteers are the lifeblood of chambers of commerce and associations but keeping them engaged over the long term can be challenging. Let’s dive into why volunteer development is a crucial aspect of ensuring sustained involvement and commitment. We will explore why a strategic approach might yield you a healthy volunteer base.  

Begin your strategy with the following: 

1. The WHY? – Understand the reason why the volunteer is choosing to give their time to your organization. There are various reasons why individuals choose to volunteer, such as the love of serving others, personal fulfillment, skill and career development, and just wanting to be social. It is so important to align your organizational goals with the volunteers’ motivations to create a mutually beneficial relationship. 

1. Proper Onboarding – Explore how you can make the onboarding process a positive volunteer experience. Do you have their role clearly defined? Establish a mechanism for clear communication, good training, and a meaningful orientation session so volunteers feel informed and equipped for their roles. 

1. Create a Sense of Belonging – Volunteers need to feel they are a part of an “important” team. They need to feel their work is useful and purposeful. From team-building exercises to social events and networking opportunities, creating a sense of belonging can enhance engagement and reduce turnover. 

1. Providing Ongoing Support and Recognition – It is important for volunteers to have ongoing support mechanisms, such as providing a mentor, regularly checking on them, and access to resources. Additionally, it is highly powerful to emphasize recognition and acknowledge their contributions to reinforce their sense of impact and appreciation. 

1. Opportunities for Growth and Development – Explore ways to empower volunteers by offering opportunities for skill development, leadership roles, and personal growth. Highlight the benefits of investing in volunteer training programs, workshops, and certifications to enhance their capabilities and sense of fulfillment. 

1. Seek Feedback – Actively seek feedback and adapt your strategies based on input received. Emphasize the value of their input.  

In conclusion, the above key strategies will foster long-term volunteer engagement and retention. It is important to prioritize volunteer development as a strategic imperative for a productive volunteer workforce. By focusing on these volunteer retention strategies, you can provide valuable insights and actionable tips to help you cultivate a committed and enthusiastic volunteer base. However, always incorporate an element of fun in every volunteer activity. A positive and fun atmosphere will go a long way!