How much are your volunteers worth? The not-for-profit advocacy group Independent Sector estimates the value of the average American volunteer at $24.69 an hour. Volunteers who perform specialized services may be even more valuable.<\/p>\n
Whether your entire workforce is unpaid or you rely on a few volunteers to support a paid staff, you need to safeguard these assets. Here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n
1. Create a professional program<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cProfessionalizing\u201d your volunteer program can give participants a sense of ownership and \u201cjob\u201d satisfaction. New recruits should receive a formal orientation and participate in training sessions. Even if they\u2019ll be contributing only a couple of hours a week or month, ask them to commit to at least a loose schedule. And as with paid staffers, volunteers should set annual performance goals. For example, a volunteer might decide to work a total of 100 hours annually or learn enough about your mission to be able to speak publicly on the subject.<\/p>\n If volunteers accomplish their goals, publicize the fact. And consider \u201cpromoting\u201d those who\u2019ve proved they\u2019re capable of assuming greater responsibility. For example, award the job of volunteer coordinator to someone who has exhibited strong communication and organization skills.<\/p>\n 2. Keep them engaged<\/strong><\/p>\n A formal program won\u2019t keep volunteers engaged if it doesn\u2019t take advantage of their talents. What\u2019s more, most volunteers want to know that the work they do matters. So even if they must occasionally perform menial tasks such as cleaning out animal shelter cages, you can help them understand how every activity contributes to your charity\u2019s success.<\/p>\n During the training process, inventory each volunteer\u2019s experience, education, skills and interests and ask if there\u2019s a particular project that attracts them. Don\u2019t just assume that they want to use the skills they already have. Many people volunteer to learn something new.<\/p>\n