Keeping Volunteers Happy

Over 85% of all nonprofit organizations have volunteers and in some instances, these organizations could not have attained the success they are enjoying without these valuable staff members. Volunteering in America states that in 2005, over 65 million Americans were volunteers contributing 8.2 billion hours of service, totaling nearly $150 billion in donated volunteer labor!

Churches and non-profits could not be nearly as effective without their volunteers. Volunteers are the backbone of many organizations yet they are often the “forgotten stepchildren” when it comes to many mainstream business and organizational procedures. Let’s look at orientation programs, for example. Why? Because most volunteers are asked to help out without actually ever learning how or why. A job description for a paid employee is typical but try to find one for a volunteer!

But you know, volunteers need to receive the same type of information as paid staff. They need the same facts, they need to know what’s expected of them, and what they can expect from you, and they need to know that the organization is supportive of them and appreciates their contributions.

A volunteer orientation program is critical if you really want your organization to communicate effectively with your volunteers and see them work in cooperation with your paid staff.

Click on the “subscribe” button below, and Power In The Workplace will send you a FREE volunteer orientation program with everything you’ll need to create productive and rewarding relationships with your volunteers.

America is a nation of people who like to give back. Keep your volunteers happy and they’ll be glad to keep giving their time and efforts to your organization.