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Volunteer ManagementAssessment &

Standards

Rachel Manuel Bruns

Volunteer Wisconsin

Changing the Paradigm

Traditional Volunteer Program

Model

Volunteers serve in peripheral functions

The New Paradigm

Volunteers are central to accomplishment of agency mission

The Points of Light FoundationParadigm Project

Traditional Volunteer Program

Model The New Paradigm

Volunteer program exists because of history, accident,

inertia

Involvement of volunteers is tied to the strategic plan for the

organization

Changing the Paradigm

Traditional Volunteer Program

Model The New Paradigm

Management of volunteers is centralized in the volunteer

“program”

Volunteer involvement & supervision is everyone’s

responsibility

Changing the Paradigm

Traditional Volunteer Program

Model The New Paradigm

Volunteers are second class workers

Volunteers are equal partners with equal involvement

Changing the Paradigm

Traditional Volunteer Program

Model The New Paradigm

Volunteers are just there to do a job

Volunteers have creative ideas

Changing the Paradigm

Traditional Volunteer Program

Model The New Paradigm

Volunteers are thought of as nice “add ons”

Volunteers are thought of as essential to meeting the mission.

Changing the Paradigm

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Standards*Standards created through the collective experience from members of the Volunteer Center Association of

Wisconsin and Volunteer Wisconsin in addition to resources including Points of Light Changing the

Paradigm, Service Jam White Paper, Department of Communities, Queensland, Reimagining Service

Principles, and Energize 12 Elements.

Planning

Volunteer have a defined and integral role in meeting the mission and strategic direction of the organization.

A volunteer handbook is available and provides an overview of the organization’s policies, code of ethics, and any important information volunteers need to know before committing to volunteering with the organization.

Planning for volunteers takes place across the organization including developing volunteer job descriptions including time commitments

Volunteers are engaged to meet true and identified community needs balancing the role for volunteers of various skills and interests.

Recruitment

The organization is flexible in how volunteers can get involved including online access, micro-volunteering, in-person, telephone, seasonal, skill-based, one-time or ongoing commitments

Volunteers and your volunteer recruitment strategies reflect the diversity of the community and the community populations served.

Volunteers are screened taking into consideration the skills required, background checks if working with vulnerable populations or information, and availability to meet the required time commitment and hours.

Training

A consistent orientation is provided to all volunteers providing them with the context for their service and how it is meaningful in meeting your organization’s mission.

Training and ongoing supervision is provided to volunteers consistent with the volunteer’s skills and experience.

Resources

Adequate financial resources are committed to volunteer engagement to ensure volunteers and staff have the resources do their jobs effectively

A committed staff person oversees volunteer coordination and maintains frequent communication with volunteers.

Professional development on volunteer management is provided for staff.

Staff understand their role in managing volunteers for the organization and it is integrated into staff job descriptions and performance evaluation.

Recognition & Evaluation

Volunteers are valued, their work is acknowledged, and they are recognized.

Volunteer involvement is examined and improved on an ongoing basis including providing opportunity for volunteer input.

The organization maintains record keeping on volunteer impact and hours served and reports the information in a public format.

Assessment

Take the self-assessment survey

Circle the top two areas you can realistically accomplish within the next six months

Discuss in group the top two and share ideas/suggestions

Start developing a plan with the Planning Document

Connect

www.volunteerwisconsin.org

(414) 344-3933rachel@volunteerwisconsin.org

Twitter.com/VolunteerWI

Facebook.com/VolunteerWisconsin