As our economy evolves, I hear the frustration expressed that volunteers aren’t available any more. Two reasons are often cited -- 1) Older volunteers are delaying retirement, and 2) Unemployed volunteers are returning back to work. But, I wonder of this is the case.
If mastery, autonomy and purpose are keys to motivation, there is no better way to motivate volunteers than through leadership programs that allow volunteers to experience all three. But, how can you inspire volunteers to lead and support them when you have no time and little money?
MP900387727In today's wired world, volunteers can make significant contributions to an organization, even if they live tens, hundreds, or thousands of miles away. Working virtually volunteers can be just as effective (or as ineffective) as those working on site.
In his recent Ted Talk, “The way we think about charity is dead wrong,” author and fundraiser Dan Pallotta raises some serious questions about our current mindset in the social sector. He argues that a discriminatory belief system about nonprofits stunts our growth and capacity. This also impact how we think about and resource our volunteer programs.
While it would be great if all volunteers were natural born leaders, had tons of time to give, and were willing to take on even the toughest tasks, it isn't always the case. So, what can we do?
The other day I was reading the Five Challenges Facing Marketing, a Harvard Business Review blog post by David Aaker who’s an author and brand marketing expert. I’m always curious what the business world is doing, partly because it helps me grow my own small enterprise, but also because I almost always find something I can re-purpose for nonprofits. This time was no different. The other day I was reading the Five Challenges Facing Marketing, a blog post by David Aaker. As I read his prophetic insider’s view on what’s troubling marketers, I had a surprising revelation -- businesses are struggling with some of the very same issues nonprofits grapple with.
Skilled volunteering certainly is a hot topic lately, and there are new resources to prove it. Volunteer Match just announced a new feature on their volunteer website, the Listing Wizard, and the professional networking website LinkedIn just added a “Volunteer Experience & Causes” section. Is your program ready to take advantage of the wealth of skills available in your community?
