Creating Welcoming Volunteer Spaces with the Equity in Action Toolkit: Just Start

✅ The good: Twenty community members show up ready to learn about volunteering with your organization.

❌ The bad: At the end of the session, 12 are ready to sign up, but 8 have decided this isn’t the organization for them. This is the feedback some of them left about their decisions:
It's not the right fit for me because ..

• I don't think they share the same values as I do.
• I need bigger text to read the manual.
• There’s no ramp for me to access the work area.
• No one here looks like me.
• I don't feel comfortable being my true self here.
• Seems like they don’t want people my age here.

Introducing the Equity in Action Toolkit: A Resource for Change

I am excited to share this valuable resource with you. The Equity in Action Toolkit is not just a collection of strategies. It embodies our collective belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table and should feel welcomed and valued in that space. The toolkit provides practical steps for volunteer leaders and organizations eager to make a difference.

As a research team member, I worked with Mark Hager, Faiza Venzant, CVA, and over 25 other CVAs, and dedicated volunteers in developing this resource during an intensive summer of collective work. Each person's insights and experiences have enriched the toolkit, making it a valuable asset for organizations striving to make volunteering more accessible, equitable, and inclusive for everyone. CVAs channeled their collective expertise to craft the Equity in Action Toolkit. Drawing on their deep understanding of volunteer engagement, they created a resource designed to empower leaders and organizations to enhance their volunteer practices, ensuring that every individual feels genuinely welcomed, valued, and able to contribute meaningfully.

This toolkit is packed with actionable tools and insights designed to help volunteer leaders at any stage. Featuring over 20 tools—with even more resources in development—the following represents just a glimpse of the toolkit's support to enhance your volunteer practices.

• A Guide for Creating Inclusive Volunteer Position Descriptions: This tool will guide you on how to write descriptions that resonate with a broader audience, emphasizing inclusivity from the get-go.
• Broadening Access to Volunteer Opportunities: Things to Consider: Discover practical ideas for making your volunteer opportunities accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
• Equity Practice Framework: Answer guiding questions that encourage you and your organization to evaluate current practices and identify areas for growth.
• Explore Training Formats: This tool provides an overview of various training methods, helping you choose the best approach for your volunteers.

The Journey Begins with a Single Step: Embrace Imperfection

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through this process is that there is no perfect way to promote equity in volunteerism. It can be daunting to think about making big changes, but it’s essential to remember that every journey begins with a single step.

Any time we embark on something new, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking everything must align perfectly before taking that first step. The Equity in Action Toolkit encourages you to break free from that mindset. Just start; no fancy equipment required.

• Just Start Somewhere: Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you take action. Even small changes can lead to significant impacts over time. The key is to begin!
• Learn as You Go: Engage with volunteers, community members, and colleagues. Their insights will help refine your approach and ensure your efforts are genuinely inclusive.
• Celebrate Every Victory: Acknowledge even the smallest successes along the way. Each step forward is progress, and recognizing these moments encourages continuous improvement.

Implementing the Toolkit: Dive in!

If you're ready to dive into the Equity in Action Toolkit, here are some practical steps to get started:

1. Assess Where You Are: Use the Equity Practice Framework included in the toolkit to evaluate your organization’s current practices regarding equity.
2. Engage Your Community: Involve your volunteers, staff, and community members in discussions about inclusivity. Their perspectives are invaluable as you shape your approach.
3. Implement Gradually: Focus on one or two areas at a time—perhaps revising your recruitment processes or enhancing your training sessions.
4. Leverage the Resources in the Toolkit: Utilize the various tools within the toolkit, such as Checklists for Training Volunteers around Equity and Inclusion.

Conclusion: Your Commitment Matters

The Equity in Action Toolkit is more than just a guide; it’s a call to action for everyone who cares about the volunteer experience. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the dedication of CVAs and their commitment to inclusivity, I can assure you that every effort counts.

Progress happens one step at a time. Whether you're just starting out or refining existing practices, creating welcoming environments helps volunteers meaningfully engage with their communities. By ensuring accessibility, representation, and a genuine sense of belonging, doors open for more people to contribute. Embrace the imperfect journey and know that you are not alone in this endeavor.

Teresa Oswald, CNP