volunteerplaintalk

Author: volunteerplaintalk

  • Volunteer Management in The Past Decade

    Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels.com

    Ahh, the 2010s. In looking back over the past 10 years, what ideas took hold and where do we need to go?

    I decided to do a look at volunteer management terms and see how often they appeared in a “google search.” I chose to search “news” with a date range. Warning: This is in no way scientific (mainly because I don’t own a lab coat, but I did wear my goats in Santa hats bathrobe during the search so maybe that counts) nor do I claim to be a qualified researcher (more like a nosey, busy body-just ask my neighbor) but anecdotally, I found some interesting tidbits (especially if you count that sale on orthopedic inserts that keeps popping up).

    I researched these terms- “volunteer impact,” “volunteer factor,” “still volunteering at,” “corporate volunteering,” “volunteers impacted the mission,” and “volunteer engagement,” all with quotation marks. The results are:

    “still volunteering at”

    Photo by Roman Carey on Pexels.com
    • 2010 2 results
    • 2011 9 results
    • 2012 25 results
    • 2013 27 results
    • 2014 28 results
    • 2015 49 results
    • 2016 58 results
    • 2017 95 results
    • 2018 116 results
    • 2019 219 results

    It bugs the heck out of me that a bulk of stories on volunteer activity center around a volunteer who is still volunteering at 99 years old. Before you groan at me, sure, this is great, but where is the focus on the value this 99 year old brings to the mission? Or, better yet, where is the evidence that volunteering benefits this volunteer’s well-being (helping them remain active at 99) which explains why she/he is still able to volunteer at 99? These articles for the most part miss the point and that needs to change.

    “corporate volunteering”

    Photo by Fox on Pexels.com
    • 2010 1 result
    • 2011 3 results
    • 2012 10 results
    • 2013 23 results
    • 2014 32 results
    • 2015 50 results
    • 2016 73 results
    • 2017 82 results
    • 2018 123 results
    • 2019 251 results

    There’s a clear direction here; a direction that needs our immediate attention as more companies become involved with corporate volunteering which includes group volunteering and allowing employees paid time off to volunteer. For more information on corporate volunteering, see Removing the Headache from Corporate Volunteering, the second part, Creating Partnerships from Corporate Volunteering. and finally Volunteer Manager Strategy and CSR.

    “volunteer engagement“

    Photo by Marta Ortigosa on Pexels.com
    • 2010 5 results
    • 2011 8 results
    • 2012 27 results
    • 2013 32 results
    • 2014 50 results
    • 2015 99 results,
    • 2016 140 results
    • 2017 119 results
    • 2018 242 results
    • 2019 245 results

    Ok, so the steady increase in articles mentioning volunteer engagement shows that engaging volunteers is becoming part of our lexicon. Good.

    “volunteer impact”

    Photo by Japheth Mast on Pexels.com
    • 2011 3 articles
    • 2012 3 articles
    • 2013 4 articles
    • 2014 6 articles
    • 2015 7 articles
    • 2016 6 articles
    • 2017 9 articles
    • 2018 28 articles
    • 2019 53 articles

    A bit of an uptick the past two years for the term “volunteer impact” is encouraging but there is much work to do because we are leaders of volunteer engagement and impact. We not only engage volunteers, but we guide and lead the impact that volunteers have on the outcomes. The two terms go hand-in-hand. When volunteers are engaged, they positively impact our missions and vice versa. These two terms have a symbiotic relationship which means one increases the other and to integrate volunteer engagement into our nonprofit culture, we must show volunteer impact in order to expect more volunteer engagement. I’d draw an impressive flowchart, but heck, it’s basically just a circle.

    “volunteer factor”

    Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels.com
    • 2010 0 results
    • 2011 0 results
    • 2012 0 results
    • 2013 0 results
    • 2014 1 result
    • 2015 1 result
    • 2016 0 results
    • 2017 no results
    • 2018 1 result
    • 2019 9 results

    The term, “volunteer factor” sounds so right for us, doesn’t it? Factor’s definition includes “influence that contributes to a result or outcome.” Bingo! Think X factor. Or the “It” factor. Now think about hearing your CEO tell a reporter, “and now let’s talk about the volunteer factor.” We can make the 2020’s the decade of the volunteer factor.

    “volunteers impacted the mission“: no results, when removing quotes 368 results for the entire decade.

    Ok, so there’s work to do here.

    We’re on our way to making the 2020’s the decade when volunteer programs take center stage. The roots of change are already sprouting such as:

    • Research pointing to volunteering as a vital component of wellbeing.
    • Corporate entities looking to be socially responsible.
    • Grassroots volunteering taking hold.
    • Research showing employees want to have paid volunteering time.
    • Volunteers wanting to use their skills and talents in innovative ways.

    Here’s to the next 10 years. We are making inroads, but we have more work to do. And if there’s anything I know in my gut about volunteer managers, it’s that we are not afraid of hard work. As a matter of fact, we eat hard work for breakfast and throw it up by lunchtime. Wait, ewwww, that’s not right, is it?

    What do I wish to see by 2030? I’m convinced that together, our efforts will produce the results we want and all the volunteer manager conference themes for 2029 will no longer be “Time for Change,” but will rather proclaim, “Holy Hell, We Did It!”

    -Meridian

  • Happy New Year! Volunteer Plain Talk Podcast Episode 4

    Happy New Year! Volunteer Plain Talk Podcast Episode 4

    https://www.buzzsprout.com/605416/2382236-episode-4-interview-with-sam-clift-volunteer-resource-manager-london-transport-museum

    How do you evolve your volunteer program for the volunteers of tomorrow whilst meeting the needs of your volunteers today? Sam Clift, Volunteer Resource Manager at London Transport Museum talks through achieving senior management buy-in, involving volunteers in strategy planning, getting volunteers on board with organisational change and using technology and volunteer support to make volunteering more accessible and inclusive. Sam can be contacted at sam.clift@ltmuseum.co.uk or alternatively at his LinkedIn page: http://linkedin.com/in/sam-clift-0363a821
    Tips I learned from Sam:
    Court senior manager buy-in by chiming with their priorities. 
    Keep volunteer value continuously in view.
    Technology can be embraced by volunteers.
    One change can create looking at other ways to change and grow.
    Use incentives to make changes more palatable.
    Involve volunteers in strategic roles.
    Be honest about limitations.
    Elevate volunteers to mentor roles.
    Find new ways to embrace inclusion.
    Meet challenges head-on.

    Thank you to Sam for his hard work and insights and for sharing his program with us. And here’s to an exciting new year.

    -Meridian

  • Happy Holidays!

    Happy Holidays!

    Be well!

    -Meridian

  • Volunteer Holiday Cards Free download

    Volunteer Holiday Cards Free download

    Happy Holidays everyone! Please feel free to use these cards to send to your volunteers as a quick or additional acknowledgement of their dedication to your mission and their impact on your communities.

    for Social Media

    volunteers-light-the-way-1Download
    volunteer-card-2019Download
    happy-new-year-volunteersDownload
    your-dedication-1Download

    Have a joyful holiday everyone!

    -Meridian

  • Surviving “that” conversation at holiday gatherings-a guide for volunteer managers

    Surviving “that” conversation at holiday gatherings-a guide for volunteer managers

    courtesy https://gratisography.com/

    Yup, holiday gatherings are upon us and everyone fears the inevitable politics-driven shouting between grandpa and cousin Timmy, but guess what? Those conversations are nothing burgers compared to what we, volunteer managers must endure. You know what I’m talking about.

    You arrive at a party and the snarky attorney guest of a friend of a friend of a friend is introduced to you. She hears “manager of volunteers” and looks down her nose at the scuffs on your Gucci knockoff shoes that you bought at your organization’s thrift store, because, hey, you have a conscience and want to contribute some money instead of just spending it and besides, recycling is the way to go, but you just keep mum and let her rake you over with her eyes like you’re some bargain basement hobo.

    So, in the spirit of defending our #lovols profession, here are some comebacks for those inevitable questions that arise when you are introduced to uppity distant cousin Prunella or your best friend’s very successful investment banker neighbor, Chase who is usually alone on holidays.

    Q: “So, you’re a volunteer manager, did you say? I’m confused. Does that mean you volunteer for the job or do you actually get paid to do that?”

    A: What a great question. It’s complicated. I don’t get paid in money, but I do get to pick from all the stuff that is donated to my organization. Last week I got a case of lentil soup. The cans were out of date, but that’s ok. I’ve not gotten sick from donated food yet, unless you count that time I was throwing up for a week, but I don’t think it was from that out of date cheese, and heck, I picked off all the mold, but you never know. Anyway, I’m hoping for a toaster oven this week. Mine’s like 20 years old and it only toasts on one side so you have to turn it over and run it again.

    Q: “Volunteer manager, you say, what’s that? There’s no degree in that, is there, I mean, you’re basically a party planner, right?”

    A: You wouldn’t think we’d need any skills, would you? Actually, I have a Bachelor of Science in cat herding, with a minor in balloon animal engineering. It’s a pretty popular degree but the work is intense. I mean I think I’m still suffering the effects of helium-osis (raise your voice’s octave to a squeak) which makes me speak in a higher than normal voice at times. Currently, I have a scholarship at Nancy’s Nonprofit University for a Master’s degree in Little Old Lady Management. I hear the internship is brutal, you know all that tea drinking and knitting and getting shanked by a wayward knitting needle while scrambling for the ball of yarn the 17 cats ran off with. There’s this one class I hear is really hard, it’s ‘The Symbolism in Grandchildren Stories, or Does Grandma Secretly Despise Her Offspring?’

    Q: “You work with people who don’t get paid? That’s not really management, is it?”

    A: You got me. Don’t let this get out, but when a volunteer signs up, we pretend to give them a tour of the organization and we usher them into the basement and lock them up in a room until they complete their assignment. We all take turns poking them with a stick until they do what we want. Sometimes, and this is the hilarious part, we just poke them for laughs. I have my own special stick made out of hickory. I call it “Ol’ Persuader.” And you’re correct, it’s not management at all, ha ha, it’s so much easier and more fun.

    Q: “So, you work for one of those nonprofits, right? You know, they’re always bothering me for money. Don’t you people just get money from the government? Why are you people hounding me?

    A: Ha, ha, awww, we can’t fool you, can we? Don’t let this get out, but we actually get millions and I mean millions from the government but since we don’t need money, we invented this game. We like to see if we can get gullible people to donate and we give a prize at the end of the year to the staff member with the most lucrative sob story campaign. And I shouldn’t be telling you this, but do you know what we do with all those extra donations? One word. Stock market. Hey, it’s almost the end of the year. I wonder if I won the award with my “Life Sucks, Give Me Cash, You Cheapskate” campaign.

    Q: “Wow, managing volunteers, that must be really easy, right, I mean how hard could that be?”

    A: Oh, you, you are so perceptive. It’s hands down the easiest gig I’ve ever had. I’ve got volunteers who bring me coffee in the morning and volunteers who clean the office while I just sit back and watch YouTube videos. I even have volunteers who do my laundry, can you believe that? And, don’t tell anyone but I even have a volunteer who rubs my feet in the afternoon. Yeah, crazy, isn’t it? Crazy good! I’ve been told the foot rubbing and come to think of it, the volunteer who pays my bills violates some sort of fair labor practices, but hey, they volunteered, right? They’re not protected by anything, ha ha ha ha ha!

    Well, there you have it. Use these answers in good, holiday health and don’t stress about those absurd questions.

    You are welcome.

    -Meridian

  • Sneak peak at volunteer manager gifts

    Sneak peak at volunteer manager gifts

    https://www.zazzle.com/engaging_volunteers_is_a_workout_of_the_heart_coffee_mug-168364029082510702

    I always loved giving gifts that capture the quote a person loves, or features the phrase a person uses a lot. It’s about recognizing that person as a unique individual.

    https://www.zazzle.com/i_speak_fluent_volunteer_mug-168880242690971438
    https://www.zazzle.com/engaging_volunteers_is_my_cardio_t_shirt-235634011487842235

    A few folks have encouraged me to share some of this stuff and it got me to thinking. We, volunteer managers are all working hard to bring volunteer management into the 21st century. As a unique profession, we should be proud of who we are and have some lighthearted fun.

    And so, VolunteerPlainTalk is now on Zazzle. There are more new designs and as they become available, I will add them to the sidebar and to a new page in the top menu.

    Who are we? We are fun-loving, believers in good, inspired by the smallest gestures, able to see the potential in everything, fans of complex human beings, inquisitive thinkers and just plain great folks to be around. Thanks and happy gifting!

    -Meridian

  • Happy Thanksgiving!

    I am profoundly grateful that we, volunteer managers are finding one another. Together, we are shaping volunteerism for a better future. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

    -Meridian

  • Volunteering and Gen Alpha, Mental Health, Recruitment and Happiness: Podcast Ep 3

    Volunteering and Gen Alpha, Mental Health, Recruitment and Happiness: Podcast Ep 3

    Volunteer Plain Talk Podcast episode 3 features an interview with Dr. Jesse Bolinger, author of the new book, “Calling All Volunteers which is based on his research into volunteer motivations and needs.” We discuss modern volunteer recruitment, the Happiness project, how generation Alpha will eventually change volunteering, why millennials are being compared to the WWII generation and how mental health, work and education are tools to get to know our volunteers.

    https://www.buzzsprout.com/605416/episodes/2120331-episode-3-interview-with-dr-jesse-bolinger

    Dr. Bolinger can be contacted at his facebook page or at his linkedin page and is in the process of creating a project that encourages changes to volunteer management through conversations with organizational leadership.

    Thanks for listening.

    -Meridian.

  • Volunteer Impact Worksheet: Free Download

    Volunteer Impact Worksheet: Free Download

    How do we show the value our volunteer bring and all they contribute to making our organizations successful? This worksheet is meant to be a quick guide to help create a “volunteer equation” for calculating volunteer impact. By using an equation, we translate volunteer hours into departmental goals and objectives met and then further into organizational mission fulfilled.

    Volunteer hours (VH) = Goals/Objectives met (GO) = mission fulfilled (M)

    volunteer-impact-worksheetDownload

    It is a deeper dive into volunteer value and contributions in addition to reporting volunteer hours and/or equivalent monetary value. It answers the “what and why” engaging volunteers is critical to mission success. The blog post, 5 Words that Might Untangle Volunteer Management describes the equation in depth.

    The more we can show how volunteer impact advances departmental goals and objectives, the more we show volunteer value. And by diving further into meeting mission goals, we connect our volunteers, our volunteer programs and volunteer engagement to mission success.

    -Meridian

  • Volunteer Managers, We Have the Picture; We Just Need the Frame

    Volunteer Managers, We Have the Picture; We Just Need the Frame

    You would never think to put the Mona Lisa in an orange plastic frame, would you? Of course not, because frames should enhance a work of art, not detract from it. The right frame borders the image, complimenting the subject and showcasing the work. The right frame makes sense.

    Volunteer added value is a complex and beautiful picture. The stories we share about our volunteers connecting with clients, serving our missions and advocating for our organizations are inspired, and meant to be viewed with appreciation. The value our volunteers bring needs the right frame.

    However, without the proper frame, throwing out super positive phrases about our volunteers can be like this board. “Volunteers are selfless,”or “Volunteers give so much,” can be so broad and gooey that the meaning is lost. If every message about volunteers is so wonderful, so inspiring, so amazing, so terrific, the message becomes diluted and nothing is wonderful or inspiring anymore. It’s just noise without form. If we make volunteers seem like magic faeries that just rise from the garden and buzz on over to do good work, we diminish the effort they bring and the work we do to develop and ready them.

    We have to be honest about volunteer management and its complexities. We need to share the challenges along with the feel-good stories. Volunteer synergy (those pure mission moments when a volunteer connects with a client or helps a staff member or solves a problem) does not occur by happenstance. Those moments are the result of a volunteer manager’s diligence, practice and experience. Synergy occurs because the volunteer manager vetted the volunteer, oriented the volunteer, matched the volunteer’s skills and needs to an assignment, and courageously stepped in to guide the volunteer on a successful path.

    Photo by Nadine Wuchenauer on Pexels.com

    We, volunteer managers are the frame. We are the right frame, the best frame, the correct frame. Our attentiveness, our tenacity, our persistence, our determination, our sincerity and our resolve shape the volunteer experience. We surround our volunteers with the knowledge, tools and encouragement volunteers need to create a complex work of art. We “become” the frame each volunteer needs. For some volunteers, we are the ornate, gold frame and for others we are a simple black band receding into the background.

    Without our guidance, volunteers are simply pictures taped to organizational walls. These haphazard pictures curl up; they fall off and they yellow. But, when we frame volunteer engagement and impact, we create an art gallery that has a flow, that makes sense, that is ordered and sustainable.

    International volunteer managers day was yesterday (November 5). The theme for this year was Change the Tune. We talk about change all the time and I think we need to ask ourselves, “what exactly do we want to change?” How we engage volunteers? How we encourage, develop, inspire and mentor volunteers? How we drop everything to make sure volunteers are successful? How we put volunteering ahead of our own personal needs? We’ve got all that down.

    I think what we need to do is to frame our critical role in volunteer engagement and impact. We need to stop allowing organizational leadership to think that engaging volunteers takes little effort. We need to stop allowing organizations to view volunteers as tools and not as complex human beings that require thoughtful management. We need to stop allowing organizational leadership to assume that volunteers don’t need support from every staff member. We need to stop allowing organizational leadership to plan volunteer involvement without our expert input. We need to stop allowing organizations to operate in an outdated normal and instead embrace the here and now by investing in the volunteer manager frame that surrounds volunteer programs.

    We are a profession. We deserve recognition befitting our expertise, our hard work and our skills. No one will just magically give it to us. We must stop glossing over the work we put into developing volunteers (by vetting, onboarding, training, supporting, stepping in when necessary, sustaining and encouraging) who successfully support and further organizational missions.

    In Rob Jackson’s latest post, he lays out real solutions that will move our profession forward. You can read Rob’s post here.

    So, this International Volunteer Manager Day, the change I want to see is one in which we elevate our critical role and become the “frame” around vibrant, contributing volunteer teams.

    We’re leaders of volunteers. We got this.

    Happy International Volunteer Manager Day to all of you frames out there.

    -Meridian