LOVE 'EM OR LOSE "EM
Have you experienced the great changes in the volunteer forces in our nation? If you lead a volunteer organization or are a volunteer, no doubt you have experienced some changes. Volunteerism is a 61 million person operation in the US! 26.7% of our population volunteered in 2006, but the trend shows a 2.1 % decline from the 3 previous years.
At The Rock Church we have experienced the volunteer crunch for a few years where more and more new ministry opportunities are filled by those volunteers already contributing in other areas of the church. That is not to say we haven't experienced new volunteers, but as new volunteers join the team there are some others who decide they have had enough.
It appears that stage of life may be a contributing factor to volunteering as those age 35-54 are "most likely" to volunteer and those in their 20'2 are "least likely. Married people volunteer more than single people and parent's of kids 18 and under volunteer more than parents of kids any other age. Nevertheless, I think stage of life may just be the tip of the iceberg of why volunteerism is changing. Here are two of my personal thoughts.
1. In years past volunteering meant identifying with an organization, but now days people must trust the organization before they volunteer. The last thing a person wants is there particular volunteer org to end up on the evening news for some unforeseen catastrophe. Any organization requiring volunteers must look like the solution and not the problem.
2. In years past volunteering was more about serving the organization, but today volunteering is more about what is received from the organization being served. Volunteer organizations that boast large ROI, small overhead expense, and big media play are not short on volunteers because those who help are noticed.
3. In years past volunteering was about helping others, but these days volunteering is about feeling good about self. Right or wrong, people are volunteering to feel better, to add to their self worth and certainly help others. The volunteer feels great to know they are a part of something that is making a difference in others.
In 2006, 35% of all volunteers did so at the local church. WOW! Those of us leading volunteers better embrace the changes in our culture or we will be left carrying the load by our self. Here are a few tips I think are paramount in leading volunteers at TRC!
* Make the volunteering experience memorable.
* Give volunteers a smile when you see them.
* Offer volunteers some refreshments.
* Write thank you notes.
* Send birthday cards.
* Listen to personal needs.
* Be thoughtful and kind to volunteers.
* Communicate with volunteers clearly.
* Spell out expectations of volunteers.
* Train volunteers adequately.
* Give volunteers permission to say "no."
* Keep volunteers in the loop.
* Help volunteers get reimbursed for personal expenses.
* Listen to volunteers.
* Re-enlist volunteers periodically.
* Let volunteers resign with dignity.
* Promote volunteers to leadership roles.
* Know why a volunteer is volunteering.
* Recognize volunteers frequently.
* Make sure volunteering is FUN.
* Help volunteers follow through.
* Remind volunteers of why they volunteer.
* Share the vision.
* Share the vision.
* Share the vision.
* Love 'em or lose 'em.
Years ago I was working with Teen Mania Ministries and the shirt that was given to many of us said, "Volunteers are not paid because they are worthless, they are not paid because they are priceless."
Thank you to the 200 volunteers that make The Rock Church possible each week by giving their time to others.
Statistical Source: United States Department of Labor, Wash. DC
