Managing Volunteers

Orientation & Training

When a non profit volunteer administrator has arrived to the point of hiring a volunteer, orientation is the next step in communicating information about agency and the volunteer's roles and responsibilities.

Orientation is one of the most essential steps when bringing a new volunteer into the agency. A volunteer handbook is a tool to assist the volunteer coordinator in orientation.

Essential Elements in a Volunteer Handbook (PDF)

Once orientation is complete and placement is agreed upon, training can begin. Volunteer training needs to be conducted in a welcoming and appreciative tone. A job description can serve as a guide to make sure all the key responsibilities are highlighted and established. Effective training can also include the volunteer's outcomes of their particular position and the benefits provided to the clients and key constituents. A volunteer coordinator can include a variety of teaching styles and training methods to aid in the training process. The volunteer should have the opportunity to ask questions, practice with equipment (if applicable), and/or job shadow with a more experienced volunteer. Volunteer training is a good way for the agency to communicate the agency's expectations to ensure a valuable experience for both parties.

The relationship between volunteers and paid staff is one of the most important dynamics within the organization. Volunteer coordinators aid in the supervisory efforts to enhance the performance of the volunteer. As a supervisor, it is the volunteer manager's responsibility to aid in the volunteer's development in order for them to grow, achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and identify their untapped potential. There is no one ideal way to supervise volunteers; however the supervisory elements that remain effective include direction, guidance, opportunity, support, and feedback. Most supervisors exhibit a particular style in their management skills. The most common styles of supervision are coaching, mentoring, and directing. It is important to note that a specific supervisory style is not pigeonholed into one style; many managers use a combination of different styles. Managing volunteers and a volunteer program is truly an art form and deserves the utmost dedication in order to support the people in and outside of the organization.