Volunteer Management Series

The objective of this series is to provide volunteer managers, administrators, supervisors and coordinators with state of the art techniques and skills to manage a successful volunteer staff within any agency's service programs. Upon completion of this series participants take with them a comprehensive manual of the six sessions plus samples of all of the documents, forms and itemized procedures necessary to have a successful volunteer management program.

Session 1:
Introduction to Volunteer Management
Participants learn current trends and valuable statistics. They explore the new patterns for volunteers and define the basis for agency readiness. The Volunteer Bill of Rights and Standards for a Volunteer Program are examined closely. This session is more than a mere introduction. It lays the foundation for the successful management of a volunteer staff dispelling many traditional myths regarding volunteer motivation and characteristics.

Session 2:
Planning a Volunteer Management Program
Participants learn how to assess an agency's volunteer needs. They discover how to apply the planning process to building a successful program base. Each student will participate in the development of an agency's mission statement, goals and objectives that include the use of an integrated volunteer staff. Skills are developed for program budget management. Students leave this session keenly understanding the importance of building a strong agency foundation for a volunteer staff.

Session 3:
Program Components and Materials
Participants learn how to develop a Policies and Procedures manual, volunteer job descriptions and record keeping system that works. The value of risk management is covered throughout the series but particularly in this session. The importance of viewing the volunteer staff as an essential part of the overall agency function is stressed.

Session 4:
Volunteer Motivation
Effective volunteer recruitment strategies are covered in this class. Volunteers from different ages and backgrounds are motivated and retained by different approaches and techniques. Participants learn how to plan relevant recognition of their volunteer staff and the importance of promoting a positive volunteer/paid staff relationship, which ultimately enhances the agency's well-planned mission.

Session 5:
Interviewing, Screening and Placement of Volunteers
The importance of good Interviewing techniques for the development of an integrated volunteer staff are stressed in this session. This skill will determine the proper placement, redirection or, when necessary, termination of volunteers. Participants also will learn how to conduct a thorough orientation of the volunteer staff to insure their readiness.

Session 6:
Evaluate, Review & Renew your Program
This final session delves into the Importance of viewing the agency's program activities and volunteer involvement as a work in progress. Participants learn the necessity for thorough and well-planned evaluation tools and the review of effective supervisory skills. They also will learn the basics of conflict management that will help ensure the overall flow and success of the agencies service programs, which utilize a volunteer staff.

For information on consulting and training sessions or fees contact Joanna Huffer at training@firstlink.org or call 221-6766 ext. 119.