Hot Topics

Posted 6/23/00
Submitted by D.G., , B.C., Canada
I have to say this in defence of E.D.s, and please be aware that I am only speaking from my own experience. I do not have time to attend extra workshops on volunteerism, and my organization does not have the funds to pay for these workshops, which, from the ones I've seen offered, often cost a fair whack. Now, I understand when it's said that organizations need to make the investment. I understand the value of volunteers to an organization. I run a very efficient organization on two full-time staff and a load of volunteers. But to say, make the investment, when my co-worker and I are pushed to the wall to meet the requirements of our funders, our boards, and the needs of our clients and volunteers...? To invest money that, let's be frank, is such a struggle to get that we operate at the bare bones and have had to periodically lay off staff or reduce hours? The onus should not be on the E.D.s of underfunded, overworked organizations. We do care. We care very much. But like our very often low-income clients, we are too busy fighting for survival right now.

Submitted by Ellen Reaves, Program Coordinator, Friend Advocate Prog., NJ
Susan, this topic has frustrated me for years. I also believe that there is an issue with the salary levels in this profession. I don't understand why the boards of these agencies don't advocate more than they do because they are volunteering as well! I truly believe that if these Executive Directors personally contributed their time to a worthy cause, we would see a difference!

Submitted by Deborah Perkins, Director of Client Services, Boston, MA
In our non-profit organization (a pregnancy resource center), we have only five people on paid staff and over 100 volunteers. Volunteers do everything from answering phones to counseling to administrative and project-based work. But our staff - even the Exec. Director - is completely "pro-volunteering" because ALL of the staff have been in volunteer positions themselves at some time (either with us or with other organizations). Our Exec. Director began working in another center as a volunteer receptionist and now (eight or ten years later) is running the show! Nothing will convince an executive of the value of volunteers more than personal experience as a volunteer. Perhaps the corporations who are requiring volunteer participation from all employees - even for one day each year - are onto something. It's hard to mistreat or overlook volunteers when you know what it's like to be one yourself! Leaders who SERVE become good and trusted leaders ("whoever would be great among you, let him be your servant" - Matthew 20:26).

Submitted by Sarah Elliston , Professional Development Associate , Cincinnati, Ohio USA
I guess I feel the same way - I am constantly educating managers of volunteer programs to educate their organizations, and the managers usually leave the organizations out of frustration and isolation before the educating can get done. I had one thought and that is that Nursing Homes and Hospice Programs, for profit, ARE required to involve volunteers if the organizations receive Medicare funds. It is the only government funding that DOES require volunteers, that I know of. We have had workshops for Ex Directors which were poorly attended, too, so I am afraid I haven't much wisdom there either. Sorry - I look forward to other readers' responses.

Submitted by Patricia Ann Salberg, Volunteer Resources Manager/The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada Ottawa Carleton chapter, Ontario Canada
It is time that we managers of volunteer resources face facts. The bottom line is where it is at and it is an uphill battle raising awareness about volunteer management. More specifically to executives who are pre-occupied with the bottom line and who can blame them. In the eight years I have been working in this field I have felt at times elated and at times very discouraged, however I look back and see that my efforts to enlighten have not fallen on deaf ears but definitely are not moving in the fast lane.

We change peoples' attitudes by continuously educating and advocating. We must not get discouraged. We must acknowledge the status-quo but never accept it as a 'fait accomplis'. We may never benefit greatly as a result of our efforts but our sons and daughters will. So like the pioneers of old each of us in our own way must forge ahead and do as good a job as possible. We each have the ear of our executive and we must bend it from time to time. If the mountain will not go to Mohammed etc... I always circulate your monthly hot topic to my director and all the board members. I just slip it in their mail slot. Thank you, you are reaching some and you don't even know it... keep up the good work. I don't know what I would do without your support.

Submitted by Mary Jo Harris, Volunteer Manager, Wisconsin Public Television, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
I belong to the Dane County Administrators of Volunteer Services (DCAVS) located in Madison, Wisconsin. We have started taking steps that will enable us to send "thank you" letters to the CEOs, Presidents, Directors, and Executive Directors of our member agencies. These letters will highlight the involvement of the DCAVS member throughout the past year and "thank" the executive for the knowledge and foresight they had in encouraging their employee to participate in DCAVS. Of course, we will also stress the importance and value of volunteers in their agency and that the continued professional development of their managers will only enhance the agency's status and visibility. This letter is a beginning attempt at educating agency executives of the valuable, professional resource they have in their volunteer manager. Any ideas or suggestions for additions, enhancements, or more advanced education efforts are welcomed.

Submitted by Betty Stallings, President, Stallings and Associates, Pleasanton, California
Yes, Yes, Yes!!! For years I have thought if we are unable to capture the attention, understanding and support of executives we will continue to struggle with the same issues that have plagued this field since its inception. Frequently, after presenting a workshop on volunteer management, I hear a lamenting chorus,"I wish my E.D. had been here!"

The most innovative approach I have seen to focus on the partnership we need with ED's was sponsored by the excellent volunteer center in Calgary, Canada. They obtained foundation funding to sponsor a two day seminar on the team approach to a volunteer program. The team, as I remember, came as guests of the foundation and were to be represented by the ED, the Manager of Volunteers and a board member. (Minimally two had to be in attendance.) They had nearly 200 attend! After the seminar each team walked away with their own organizational plan to enhance their volunteer program. The foundation was so interested in this approach that they did periodic follow-up evaluations to determine its impact. I was privileged to be the facilitator of the event and personally left feeling that it was the most exciting (potentially impactful) workshop I had ever been a part of— primarily due to the involvement of the ED's, the support and attendance of funders and a very innovative and connected volunteer center.

I believe education of funders (an initiative has begun), and concerted efforts by Volunteer Center Directors (peers of ED's) must be mobilized. In terms of influence, we (volunteer managers) do have what administrators need (a means of enhancing the mission of the organization) and thus we should have success if we strategically think through our approach. I believe this issue is so important that there should be a think-tank on the subject. Something for you to set up in your spare time, Susan!

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