A successful volunteer program relies on the team members behind it. We've learned that a flourishing and strong volunteerism team has representation from these key areas in an organization.
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Volunteering is the heartbeat of any nonprofit, but the success of your efforts hinges on the strength and composition of your volunteerism team.
Whether you're building a volunteer program from scratch or revitalizing an existing one, understanding the dynamic mix of skills and perspectives needed to build an outstanding team behind your volunteer initiative can dramatically enhance your impact.
We recently came across a nonprofit organization whose volunteer coordinator quit unexpectedly…and it left them in a panic to keep the momentum going! Unfortunately, the volunteer coordinator was working on an “island” so-to-speak, which made it difficult for existing staff members to take over when it was most important to be able to do so.
This story inspired us to share with you the enormous impact that a well-versed volunteer team at your organization can make. It’s crucial that you have representation from a variety of backgrounds involved in your volunteer program.
A thoughtful approach requires you to view volunteerism from a few different lenses. Even if you don't yet have all of these resources available as full-time positions in your organization, it's important to at least look at your volunteer program from these perspectives.
Here are some of the roles that should be on your team:
This is the person directly managing volunteer activities, often the main point of contact for volunteers.
This person is a leadership figure who aligns the volunteer program with the organization’s mission and long-term goals. This role is crucial for maintaining focus and direction, especially during transitions.
This perspective utilizes volunteer activities for fundraising, donor engagement, and public relations. This team ensures that the volunteer program is integrated into the organization’s broader communication and development strategies.
A technical resources ensures that data tracking, volunteer management systems, and other technical resources are efficiently utilized.
This person manages risk, safety, and compliance, particularly for roles involving vulnerable populations. This role is also responsible for ensuring that volunteers are appropriately vetted and trained according to regulations and industry standards.
In organizations with membership programs, this role helps integrate volunteer efforts with membership benefits and retention, enhancing the overall value of membership.
In our latest podcast episode, we provide in-depth insight into how to strategically structure your team to foster a supportive and engaging environment where volunteers flourish. You'll find out what you need to consider when assembling your dream volunteer team, exploring the critical roles and responsibilities of each team member – from the boots-on-the-ground volunteer managers to the visionary leaders.
Listen to the podcast episode on your favorite platform.
And if you're ready to take the next step, download our detailed guide with actionable tips and strategies to help you lead your volunteer program with confidence.
Practical tips and expert insights to help your organization recruit, onboard, and retain dedicated volunteers.
Nonprofits have to face a lot of difficulties, but their volunteer program shouldn’t be one of them. Volunteers should be one of the biggest assets every nonprofit organization has, but for many, it’s a consistent struggle and they’re not sure how to fix it.
