Beyond the Screen: Balancing Technology and the Human Touch in Volunteering

In a world where technology is intertwined into almost every aspect of our lives, volunteering is no exception. Technology has drastically changed our sector throughout the years to help Volunteer Managers keep in touch with what is at the core of everything we do: assists volunteers. Amidst this digital revolution, it’s worth asking: How do we ensure that the heart of volunteering—the empathy and human connection—remains at the forefront?

How Technology Enhances Volunteering

During the COVID pandemic, Volunteer Lethbridge (VL) managed a Keep In Touch (KIT) program, where we recruited volunteers and matched them with community members who were socially disconnected and needed a person to talk to on a regular basis. At the end of the project, VL saw an opportunity to expand and strengthen the volunteer recruitment and screening component, in order to create a “pool” of pre-screened and ready-to-activate community volunteers that volunteer managers could access.

Volunteer Lethbridge introduced the Community Volunteer Management Model (CVMM) in 2021 that significantly enhances the success of volunteer recruitment and placement.

• Application - A volunteer completes an application with the Volunteer Centre, instead of through an individual nonprofit organization. For the volunteer, this is especially helpful if they are not yet sure where they want to volunteer. 
• Advise - Next, volunteers meet with an advisor.  Together, they review the applicant’s interests, goals and talents to decide which opportunities are best suited for them. 
• Collect Information - Depending on the level of responsibility that the applicant desires in a volunteer position, Volunteer Lethbridge collects and stores Police Information Checks and two references for volunteers and organizations in Better Impact.  This process decreases duplication for volunteers who are considering more than one volunteer opportunity.  
• Referral - Once all the documents are collected, we send a referral to the organization(s) of the volunteer’s choice.  For volunteer managers, their input time to source and screen a potential new volunteer is eliminated.  The volunteer is ready to onboard and train.
• Follow-up - We maintain contact with our volunteers through regular newsletters, events, the Better Impact app, and general volunteer support.  

The Risks of Losing the Human Touch

While technology offers incredible opportunities, it’s important to recognize the essential need for human connection as an option to meet volunteer and Volunteer Managers’ needs.

With the Community Volunteer Management Model, our Volunteer Coordinator engages with volunteers at various stages of the screening process as well as after their volunteer placement.

VL currently markets volunteer opportunities through our website, Facebook, Instagram, a volunteer column through both email and our daily newspaper. Some volunteer applicants, especially seniors, find it difficult to use the online application process. VL employees are available to help with technological challenges by offering in-person meetings.

Better Impact was designed as volunteer management software, allowing agencies to accept online volunteer applications, manage volunteer profiles, and track and report on volunteer hours. While younger generations typically embrace technology and are comfortable with the online application, others may prefer to meet in person and fill out paper documentation. These options provide a way to reach all potential volunteers.

The magic of volunteering lies in its ability to bring people together, to nurture understanding and compassion, and to build bridges across differences. Technology can amplify this magic but only if we execute it thoughtfully. By combining the efficiency of digital tools with the warmth of human connection, we can create a new era of volunteering that is both innovative and deeply personal.

The combination of tools to reach volunteers will be invaluable as our sector continues to navigate, lead, and grow. Together, let’s ensure that even in our increasingly digital world, the human touch remains at the heart of every act of kindness.