Engaging Volunteers and Partners

www.gardening.cornell.edu

Cultivating Community with Garden-Based Learning ProgramsWebinar Session 5

March 28, 2012

Lori J. BrewerCornell Garden-Based Learning

Adult and Family EducationBushway@cornell.edu

www.gardening.cornell.edu

Session objectives:• Outline basic components of volunteer engagement using ISOTURE model.• Describe mapping approach in identifying partners.• Participants share best strategies for volunteer and partner engagement.

www.gardening.cornell.edu

Professional Field of Volunteer Engagement

Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration sponsors the "Certified in Volunteer Administration" (CVA):A performance-based credentialing program designed to measure an individual's "knowledge-in-use"--the application of knowledge and skills by individuals with real-life experience.

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Volunteer Engagement Phases • I dentifying• S electing• O rienting• T raining• U sing• R ecognizing• E valuating

msue.anr.msu.edu

www.gardening.cornell.edu

Identifying

What jobs need to get done?•Education – peer, specific audience•Planning, technical or clerical support•Development of resources or programs• Supervision, leadership…

What type of person is needed?•Paid staff member or volunteer•Specific knowledge, skills and attitude•Availability – regular, episodic, once

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Job DescriptionsFor EVERY POSITION not matter how large or small!

•Position Title•Length of Commitment•Time and Place•General Purpose•Specific Responsibilities•Qualifications•Training•Supervision•Benefits

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Selecting (Recruiting)1. Ask 2. Screen for proper initial placement and best job match 3. Evaluate (regularly two-way communication)

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Recruitment strategies?Find resources on this topic at:www.energizeinc.com/art/subj/recruit.html

Such as…• ABC of volunteer recruitment• Clever Communications• Turn Your Organization into a Volunteer Magnet• Your Circle of Resources

Plus a list of Websites Where You Can List Volunteer Opportunities

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Orienting• Prepare volunteer for relationship with organization.• Provide general information every volunteer should know.• Familiarize volunteer with specific expectations and responsibilities.

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TrainingPreservice plan

Prepare volunteer to work for the organizationEquip volunteers with knowledge, skills and attitude needed

Inservice planFocuses on doing the job better, doing it differently, and doing it in new ways

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Using Most efficient when you have done a tailored version of the

previous ISOT with all types volunteers... •Episodic•Stipend•Teens•College Aged•Families•Seniors•Individuals with a disability•Unemployed•Virtual •Middle Managers

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Using: “Putting People to Work”

• Thoughtfully place volunteers for success.

• Let go of certain responsibilities to empower .

• Cultivate two-way communication.

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Recognizing

•Recognize recognition.•Emphasize success.•Consider public recognition.•Do in a personal and honest manner.•Make it timely.•Clearly connect accomplishment and recognition.•Recognize in proportion to achievement.•Tailor recognition to volunteers.

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Recognition is most effective when people are awarded with things significant to them.

Find resources on this topic at: www.energizeinc.com/ideas.htmlIncluding ideas about…• Banquets and Parties with a Twist• Out-of-the-Ordinary Gifts• Awards/Special Acknowledgment to Volunteers• Trips and Outings• Learning Opportunities as Thanks• Ongoing and Informal Ways to Say Thank You• Community-Wide Events

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Evaluating What to Evaluate?When? How often?

What information is needed?Who will use the results?How will the results be used?

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Volunteer Engagement Phases • I dentifying• S electing• O rienting• T raining• U sing• R ecognizing• E valuating

msue.anr.msu.edu

www.gardening.cornell.edu

www.gardening.cornell.edu

www.gardening.cornell.edu

www.gardening.cornell.edu

Partnerships Phases

1. Gather insights in areas such as mutual need, vision, mission, values, culture..

2. Be able to rely fully on each other

3. Needs assessments and develop of coordinated action and programs

4. Maintain momentum to embedded in routines

www.stoptb.org/assets/documents/countries/partnerships/building_partnerships_guide.pdf

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Print Publication Resources

For sale publication American Community Gardening Association

communitygarden.org

For sale publication msue.anr.msu.edu then search achieving success through volunteers

www.gardening.cornell.edu

QUESTIONS?

Lori J BrewerCornell Garden-Based Learning

Adult and Family EducationBushway@cornell.edu

Session objectives:• Outline basic components of volunteer engagement using ISOTURE model.• Describe mapping approach in identifying partners.• Participants share best strategies for volunteer and partner engagement.

Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U. S. Department of Defense under Award No. 2009-48667-05833. Developed in partnership with Purdue University and Cornell University.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Military-Extension Partnership

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www.gardening.cornell.edu/military under the cultivating community link find this five part webinar series recordings, PowerPoint presentations and participant shared resources.