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Training

Last Update hace 20 días

Navigating Challenging Situations + Working with Difficult Volunteers Great Volunteer Trainings

Great Volunteer Trainings

Elevating volunteer performance

Michelle Baker

Last Update hace 20 días

What is the difference between “orientation” and “training?”

Before we discuss what makes great volunteer training, let's discuss the difference between volunteer orientation and training. While we use the words “orientation” and “training” together, they actually cover different parts of volunteer management!

Volunteer orientation is an ongoing process of helping volunteers:

  • Feel welcome when they come on board
  • Understand your work and mission
  • Receive the information they need to do their best within their role - such as a volunteer handbook
  • Connect with a point person who can answer their questions and guide them as needed

Volunteer training focuses on:

  • The specific details of each volunteer’s unique role
  • Helping volunteers learn about the systems and processes related to their role
  • Introducing volunteers to the team members they’ll be working with or supporting
  • Creating access to the tools and resources volunteers will need as part of their role

Below are strategies for volunteer training for everyday and skilled tasks.

Everyday tasks

While many of the tasks needed to execute a food distribution only require a few minutes of training, ensuring your volunteers, especially new volunteers, know the policies, procedures, and expectations will provide a better experience for the volunteer. This will encourage volunteers to come back and improve your clients’ experience! This also ensures the tasks will be done correctly, saving time to focus on your clients and other tasks.

Clear and specific instructions. Take a few minutes at the beginning of the project to explain the task the volunteer will be working on and give them a quick general overview of what others will be doing to help them see the big picture. Clearly state:
  • What their job is
  • How to do it
  • Why it matters
This will help the volunteer understand the expectations and help achieve the project’s goals.

Task leaders. It’s impossible to be everywhere at once. Consider asking some of your veteran volunteers to serve as task leaders. They can provide instructions and be there to support new volunteers by answering their questions and providing in-the-moment problem-solving for any issues that may arise. Ask your task leaders to come 30 minutes to an hour early to help set up so you can communicate how many volunteers you’re expecting and any last-minute changes to the plan for the day so they will be aware and share this with the volunteers.


Provide lists. The tasks may be simple, but sometimes, new volunteers may be nervous or forget an important step. Creating and providing a written list with graphics or pictures will reduce confusion and increase accuracy.


Prep an example. If your volunteers are packing boxes or bags, prep an example so the volunteers can see what the final product will look like.


Pair new volunteers with a buddy! Connecting new volunteers with a veteran volunteer buddy will ensure there’s always someone for the new volunteer to ask questions and get reassurance from on tasks.


Be open-minded to in-the-moment feedback. New volunteers may have an idea of how to alter a task for efficiency. If you’re willing to try this idea, not only may you learn something new, but the volunteer who suggested it will feel more like they’re part of your team and that you value and respect them and their ideas.

Skilled tasks

Working with skilled volunteers involves collaborating with individuals who bring specific expertise to contribute to a cause or project. This approach allows organizations to access specialized skills without the cost of hiring. By leveraging diverse skills, organizations can amplify their impact and foster a sense of community among those working towards a common goal.

One-on-one time. Schedule a meeting with your skilled volunteers to get to know them and set goals and expectations for the project. Putting these in writing will reduce confusion and increase understanding. Scheduling progress check-ins will help the volunteer stay on task and help you troubleshoot any issues. Consider hosting these meetings virtually to reduce the time commitment for you both.


Create training manuals and videos. While this takes some time upfront, this will save you time in the future from having to provide the training with the volunteer. This also allows the volunteer to complete the training on their own time when it's most convenient for them. Screen recording tools such as Loom will help you create tutorials for the software or anything you do on a computer.


Set reasonable goals. Skilled volunteers may have full-time jobs or other time commitments that limit how much they can volunteer with you. Communicating how long a project should take regarding hours and a deadline will help the volunteer manage their time and understand if this project fits their schedule. Be sure to incorporate some wiggle room into your deadline in case something comes up, and the volunteer has to pause or extend their project. Asking them to track their progress will also help someone else pick up where they left off if they need help to complete the project.


Privacy. Depending on the project, the volunteer may need access to personal or financial data from clients, volunteers, staff, or your organization. Please ensure the volunteer knows this data must be kept secure and inform them of any policies or procedures.


Keep an open mind. Chances are, a skilled volunteer may have more experience with the tasks you are asking them to do. Creating an atmosphere that welcomes their ideas can benefit your organization.

By implementing these strategies, organizations can enhance their volunteer programs, ensuring a positive impact on both volunteers and the communities they serve.

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