Empowering Associations: Best Practices for Effective Volunteer Management

Volunteers are essential to associations, and effective volunteer management is crucial for their success and sustainability. Four best practices can guide associations in developing a strategic volunteer management process.

1. A clear and formal structure is vital. This includes defining volunteer roles, work frequency, and mechanisms for appreciation, retention, and feedback. Documentation like bylaws, volunteer tiers, and expectations packets help create a strong volunteer structure. Onboarding sessions, succession planning, and exit surveys contribute to a well-organized volunteer program.
2. Building strong relationships between staff and volunteers is key. Understanding volunteer motivations and leveraging their expertise can prevent burnout and enhance project execution. Effective communication channels, designated points of contact, and engaging thought leaders in committees help develop meaningful volunteer relationships.
3. Volunteer appreciation is essential for keeping volunteers engaged and fostering a sense of loyalty and belonging. Recognizing their contributions, actively listening to feedback, and making meaningful changes based on their input demonstrate appreciation. Gifts, events, and public recognition further show volunteers they are valued.
4. Prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is crucial in volunteer management. Diverse volunteers bring unique perspectives and better serve diverse communities. Collecting and reviewing demographic data helps identify the starting point for DEI efforts. Initiatives like awards, training, and new committee formations can promote DEI goals.