Empowers individuals Adds value to not for profit organisations Strengthens communities Is worth billions of dollars to the Australian community.
Is your organisation prepared for more volunteers? Does your organisation appreciate the value of volunteers? Is the committee prepared and willing to help with interviewing, orientation, training and supervising volunteers? Are there volunteer position descriptions in place? Have you prepared recruitment materials such as brochures, flyers and a volunteer handbook? Have you appointed a volunteer coordinator?
Managing volunteers
Develop and enforce codes of conduct and related policies for participants, officials, coaches, instructors, leaders, volunteers, parents and spectators to ensure the management of people is of a high standard Develop a suite of policies and procedures which specifically seek to avoid committee burnout
Remember, your committee comprises volunteers who also need attentionDevelop volunteer agreements Establish a large pool of volunteers to relieve the burden on a few individuals
Remember, you should aim to have a large number of volunteers who can each take on smaller tasks. People are more likely to volunteer if asked to commit to smaller, dedicated periods of time to complete defined tasksMatch volunteer tasks with the individual skills of volunteers so tasks are easier for them and the club benefits from the expertise of its members Register for the Go Clubs Young Volunteers Program.
Clubs with Silver level Go Clubs accreditation have access to a volunteer handbook.
Volunteer management planning
Training volunteers
The aims and purposes of the organisation (club vision, mission, values) Policies (volunteers should understand all organisational policies) Practical information (basic club information and facility orientation) People (volunteers should be introduced to all staff and volunteers) Volunteer issues (volunteers should be given information about the support structures available to them).
New volunteers learn about the organisation and their specific tasks Existing volunteers can perform their roles better and take on new work as the organisation changes Volunteer confidence and satisfaction increases with training
Volunteer recognition
Smile, say hello and thank volunteers regularly Write letters and postcards of thanks to volunteers Provide discounted membership to volunteers Present volunteer awards at annual general meetings or awards ceremonies Feature your volunteers at special events throughout the year Provide complimentary tickets to volunteers for special events or functions Arrange discounts at local stores or restaurants Have a regular or recurring volunteer award program, such as a 'volunteer of the month' Provide your volunteers with special items of clothing that clearly identify them and the volunteer work they do