Enhancing Volunteer Recruitment Efficiency with Volunteer Impact
Recruiting volunteers is a challenging yet essential task for any volunteer-involving organization. As a volunteer manager, you understand the...
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Stuart Garland, Learning and Capacity Building Manager, Volunteer Ireland : Nov 18, 2024 10:00:42 AM
The pandemic has reshaped the landscape of volunteering, posing unique challenges and opportunities for both volunteers and Leaders of Volunteers. A lot of these challenges have been around for many years but were amplified by the pandemic. As we navigate this “new” normal, prioritising the wellbeing of our volunteers has never been more critical. Ensuring that volunteers feel supported, appreciated, and connected is key to maintaining a motivated and resilient volunteer team. Here are some of my strategies and tips to help Leaders of Volunteers nurture volunteer wellbeing in a post-pandemic world. None of these are new ideas but we should always reflect on our volunteer management practice.
Creating a sense of belonging is essential for volunteer wellbeing. Volunteers who feel connected to their peers and the organisation are more likely to stay engaged and motivated. It is important to know your volunteers' preferences for in-person or online meetups, and if online, what platform will work for them, not just you.
Transparency and clear communication are vital in managing expectations and reducing anxiety among volunteers.
Climate change, war, and the pandemic have taken a toll on everyone’s mental health, including volunteers. Providing resources and support for mental wellbeing is crucial.
Recognition goes a long way in boosting morale and motivation among volunteers.
Providing opportunities for growth and learning can enhance volunteer satisfaction and retention.
Nurturing volunteer wellbeing requires a multifaceted approach that includes fostering community, clear communication, promoting mental health, recognising all efforts – no matter how small or big, and offering development opportunities. By prioritising the wellbeing of volunteers, we can ensure they remain motivated, engaged, and ready to make a positive impact. Leveraging available online resources can further enhance our ability to support volunteers effectively. Together, we can create a supportive and thriving volunteer environment in this new era.
Stuart Garland is Learning and Capacity Building Manager with Volunteer Ireland (www.volunteer.ie). His role involves supporting volunteers and volunteer involving organisations through the delivery of extensive range of capacity building opportunities, in person, online and on demand. He has been a volunteer manager, managing volunteer programmes of up to c. 6,200 volunteers. He holds qualifications in Human Resource and Management, Volunteer Leadership, and Welfare Health & Safety. Volunteer Ireland regularly delivers a course in volunteer wellbeing, check out their training calendar. (www.volunteer.ie/training).
Recruiting volunteers is a challenging yet essential task for any volunteer-involving organization. As a volunteer manager, you understand the...
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