Hot Topics

Responses to:
Volunteers and Volunteer Resource Managers Connected

Posted on 12 December 2006 by Hillary Roberts, Project Linus NJ Inc., President, Keyport/NJ USA
Although discussions such as this month's hot topic are important in framing who we are and the roles we all play in moving a mission forward, I'm not overly fond of analyzing what all too often keeps the non profit sector professionally segregated.

After all, we aren't alone in what we do IF we are doing our jobs. Boards, management and volunteers from all walks of life share the circle of commitment. More time should be spent underscoring shared goals, team building and forward thinking than on how we distinguish ourselves under the umbrella of one agency.

It is my sincere hope that the newly formed COVAA will take a BIG leap of faith and form a circle of commitment that does not distinguish titles but celebrates accomplishments. We are the power! WE!

Posted on 7 December 2006 by Suellen Carlson, Lutheran Social Services, Director of Volunteer Services, Jamestown NY
What an interesting topic. I have read it over several times because I'm puzzled by the concept of attempting to get some kind of recognition for my position in the company. As a member of the management team, my job is to participate in meeting the goals of the agency. The way I do that is to develop human resources - my "employees" just happen not to be paid. If I'm not valued in the company, it's because I'm not meeting either my goals or the company goals, or for some reason that I'm not taken seriously - that's my fault, not the executive team's. I place (or suggest to the CEO in the case of Board members and consultants) the very best people in whatever positions that are requested from friendly visitors to Board members to "consultants". I think we have to see ourselves as more linked to the company than to those folks who volunteer for us. I want recognition as a team player and a member of management - not as the Volunteer Director. It doesn't matter what my position happens to be, it matters what I do with the position.

Posted on 5 Dec 2006 by Nellie Gooden, Barren County Schools, Director of Volunteers, Glasgow, Ky U.S.A.
The connection between ourselves as leaders and the volunteers themselves is simple - respect, a desire to contribute to society, and a common vision. With this alliance established the next step is to turn our vision into reality by working together as a team.

I believe creating an intimate relationship with volunteers is vital to the success of a program. Some volunteer directors believe keeping your distance and not forming friendships with volunteers is necessary. They warn of dangers in forming close relationships. I disagree with this approach to volunteer management. I feel very blessed by the friendships formed and feel because of this friendship volunteers know they play a vital role in children's educational experience and truly feel a part of the educational team.

I love the idea of a "success celebration" for volunteers as a way to show appreciation and the value of their volunteer time. When we show we value volunteers, I believe others will automatically value the work we as volunteer managers do everyday.

Posted on 5 Dec 2006 by Donna Lockhart, The RETHINK Group
Consultant, Ennismore, Ontario Canada
WOW! Just when I think what more can be written about volunteer administration/management?...Susan finds a new nugget! I totally agree with your comments and how important they are to raising our profile, which we continue to struggle with.

I teach a college Certificate program in Volunteer Management and it was the first program to integrate a 'fundraising' component (in 1996) into the course outline. Participants couldn't understand why I would focus on fundraising and later on board volunteers in this course when they had involvement in neither aspect in their organizations.

In various employee roles over my career, I have done both fundraising and board development and kept trying to get managers of volunteers to connect with their counterparts as a repositioning strategy (especially to integrate their services within the organization.)   When this didn't seem to happen I dropped this component.  You have given me the renewed energy to examine this again and so much food for thought. Also as Director of Education for PAVR-O (Professional Administrators Volunteer Resources-Ontario, Canada) I continue along Committee Volunteers to seek new ways to deliver messages. I think you have hit on a strong positioning and marketing message> something that stares us in the face and is so logical!

Posted on 4 Dec 2006 by Marty Martin, M&M Consulting, White Lake, MI USA
How often do we under- or de-value ourselves? For some of us, it's most difficult to move from a "doer" to a leader who delegates. How often I have attended a volunteer recognition event when no mention was made of the folks who enable these community resources. Susan, thanks for bringing the topic to the table.

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