In our last post on partnering for volunteer success, we touched on 2 ways you can enhance your relationship with your volunteers – by serving as a valuable resource and as a subject matter expert.
Here are three (3) more ways that can set you on the right path…
Be a Work Navigator
Volunteers are passionate and often ready to take on whatever challenges come their way. That doesn’t mean they are always prepared. You can make the difference by offering clarity around the charge as well as serving as the schedule keeper, project tracker, coach and troubleshooter. But be careful … you are there as a guide (e.g., a silent facilitator*), not as a manager. You don’t own the project; you are there to help them across that finish line. Check out this post on step 1 of setting up a committee that works.
Be A Community Builder
Associations are about community. People join to be around people who just get them. But things can quickly go awry. Conflicts arise from misunderstanding of roles, disagreement on processes, and inappropriate or unengaged behavior. Embrace your role to create and foster connections between the volunteers.
- Seek to encourage regular and open communication among volunteers.
- Proactively offer team building and activities so volunteers get to know each other.
- Regularly acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of volunteers.
- Ensure all volunteers feel included and valued, regardless of their background or experience.
*What is a silent facilitator?
One who facilitates from the background. Focusing on providing subtle guidance, offering support through information sharing, actively listening to the group dynamics, and intervening only when necessary to keep the discussion on track, while allowing participants to drive the conversation and take ownership of the process.
Be an Ear for Organization
ASAE’s A Holistic Approach to Holistic Volunteer Management Report noted the disconnect between how volunteers view their effectiveness vs. association staff’s view. And while we know from previous research that a volunteer program works best when both the volunteer and the organization benefit from the relationship, volunteers are often frustrated with the lack of guidance while staff don’t always see the extent of the value volunteers bring to the association.
Your can close the communications loop helping the volunteer understand what is expected of them (back to that clarity of purpose) while conveying their motivations and needs to the association (by respecting and recognizing their objectives). Check out this post on key factors of a successful volunteer program.
Be the bridge between your volunteers and the association. Check out this post on strengthening the staff-volunteer relationship.
*Want to know more? Check out Mastering Your Volunteer Liaison Role, a two-part program designed specifically for staff managing volunteer programs and serving as liaisons to volunteer groups. Whether you are new to volunteer management or a seasoned pro, this program will help you develop better relationships with your volunteers.
*updated 2/6/2025