Association staff play a vital role as bridge builders, connecting the organization and its volunteers. Their job is twofold: to communicate the organization’s mission to volunteers while also ensuring the volunteers’ needs and perspectives are shared with the organization. They’re the ultimate bridge.
This might sound like a tug-of-war, but it’s not. Research from the ASAE Foundation’s A Holistic Approach to Association Volunteer Management (seriously, it’s a must-read!) highlights a common challenge: volunteers say their success is often held back by unclear direction from the organization. And too often there is a disconnect between staff and volunteers on the value volunteers bring to the organization. The good news? A well-trained staff can bridge these gaps becoming effective partners with the volunteers and volunteer groups they manage.
So how can you succeed as a volunteer liaison? By fully embracing your role beginning with these 2 ways: (see the sidebar for more tips!):
Be a Valuable Resource
Volunteers thrive when they’re well-supported. As their go-to resource, your job is to provide the tools and information they need to succeed, whether it’s training, technology, policies, or connections to relevant experts (see #2!). Timely access to these resources is also critical, as well as matching volunteers to roles that align with their skills and interests. This kind of support not only boosts satisfaction but also ensures volunteers can deliver their best work.
Be a Subject Matter Expert
Volunteers often step into their roles with little knowledge of how associations operate. They know the mission but may not fully understand the processes or their part in the bigger picture. Your role is to help volunteers see their place clearly and show how their work supports the organization’s mission. Guiding them through their committee’s charge, goals, and plans can create much-needed clarity and focus.
Research consistently shows that volunteers are essential to associations, contributing their passion, loyalty, and influence. Working with volunteers can be incredibly rewarding—but only when the right systems and staff training are in place to support these relationships.
If you’re looking to strengthen your partnership with volunteers or know a staff member who could use a confidence boost, we’ve got you covered. Join us this January for a two-part advanced program designed specifically for staff managing volunteer programs and serving as liaisons to volunteer groups.