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Author
Carolyn M. Freeland, PhD
Publication
Association
Trends
Publication Date
April 2000
Plexus Consulting Group, LLC
1620 Eye Street, NW
Suite 210
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-785-8940
Fax: 202-785-8949
Email: info@plexusconsulting.com
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All of us want to feel productive and satisfied with the efforts we put
forth -- whether it's for our own jobs or tasks we take on for our
professional, charitable or civic organizations, and it is important to
understand these motivations. An informal survey of volunteers showed that
the key motivating points to volunteering are:
Understanding motivational needs.
Perhaps at the top of the motivational list is the notion that we all
want to accomplish something that is perceived by ourselves and others as
worthwhile.
Among the factors that cause professionals to volunteer are:
 recognition
and respect of peers and employers
camaraderie
of others with similar interests
prestige
within the profession/community
opportunity
for self-improvement
Effective leadership.
It is important for the association's leaders to recognize their
responsibility to ensure a process that allows each volunteer to accomplish
something worthwhile and obtain the "rewards" or benefits of
volunteering. The caveat, of course, is volunteers have limited time, so the
tasks must be able to be completed swiftly.
Well-Designed Process.
With a well-developed strategic plan and its operational plan in place, an
assn can establish task forces for specific activities along with time lines
and success and evaluation measures. Volunteers are more likely to perform
with success when they understand the initiative's relevance and the
expectations for the task to be accomplished, accept the proposed timelines
and reporting procedures, and are provided resources to complete the task.
Recognition.
Making noteworthy recognitions of their efforts, such as a letter of thanks
from the CEO or laudatory calls to their employers, will encourage future
volunteer efforts.
To ensure an ongoing cadre of future volunteers, one must understand and
incorporate the factors that motivate these individuals and establish a
process that is designed to support and recognize volunteers for their time
and their expertise.
Freeland is the president of Brandywine Group, Punta Gorda FL.
941/575-9418 or freeland@peganet.com.
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Reprinted by Permission