| Plexus Consulting Group | Articles by Plexus Authors | ||
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Make Time Worthwhile to Your Volunteers |
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In our time-conscious culture we are taught
early to realize the value of time. We know time is money, and we learn to
manage our time by the minute. However, as association managers are learning
the world over, once we have allotted time for all the critical priorities
in our lives, there is precious little left for volunteer work.
Associations are adapting to this new reality of diminishing volunteer time. They are adding full time, professional staff to do those things that volunteers used to handle. Executives are scurrying to find additional sources of revenue to pay for these additional expenses and to cover general declines in membership participation. As associations come up with new non-dues revenue ideas, they often find themselves operating more like for-profit corporations. Curiously, corporations are seeing the wisdom of doing well by doing good, and they are assuming an ever increasing role in sponsorship of social causes and charitable giving. This fascinating role reversal merits watching and should be a cause for reflection in the association community. As the government makes fewer demands on our time as citizens and as we witness an across the board decline in participation in volunteer and community groups, it gives cause to wonder what impact this "civic nonparticipation" might be having on our society. What if any new civics standards and structures are we creating to replace what is being dismantled? Most associations are adapting well to the volunteer shortage. However, at what point do they start to compromise the essence of the social organizations they are meant to be? Shouldn’t they be dedicating as many resources trying to shape these social trends rather than just adapting to them? Some associations have succeeded in retaining an active and enthusiastic membership. How have they succeeded where so many others have not? Here are what the best do: Give a sense that volunteers are needed and appreciated. The irony is that as the staff of an association grows in competence and size, the association risks giving a sense that things can be done better and faster without volunteers. Volunteers know when their contributions are valued. When they aren't they leave. Ensure that participation in the association’s activities helps each volunteer grow personally and professionally. "What’s in it for me" is still the guiding factor for volunteers. Education, training, networking and, credentialing are sure-fire methods of attracting a following. Provide a sense that members are participating in something that is worth their effort, something that is "greater than them." Do these things and do them well and you will find you will have answered the critical question of why potential volunteers should "make time" for what your association has to offer. |
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Reprinted by Permission