October’s Professional Gathering @ YouthCare was an intimate group discussion around managing the influx of volunteers at the holidays and groups of volunteers in general. Here are some thoughts that came from the discussion:
1. What are the benefits of working with holiday volunteers and groups of volunteers (even though it may feel like a lot of work)?
- Volunteers learn about your organization — it’s the first touch!
- Good marketing opportunity for other volunteer opportunities
- You can filter these volunteers through into a year-long commitment
- Volunteers give donations that we could use throughout the year!
- We can educate volunteers about other events, roles they can play within our organization, and keep them connected
2. What do we do with a group of volunteers who are eager to “help” (and bring the whole family)?!
- If you can’t accomodate the group, offer a list of other agenices that might be able to work with them
- Direct the group to websites such as: www.seattleworks.org, www.theworldisfun.org, www.uwkc.org, www.volunteermatch.org, or www.idealist.org
- Be okay with saying, “I’m sorry, we can’t accomodate your group in the way you are looking to help.” In other words, practice saying, “NO!”
Do you have any additional thoughts? Please share your thoughts with us on the comments below!
UPCOMING EVENTS & GATHERINGS
- Monday, November 7th — “Building a Pro-Volunteer Culture” Workshop (ONLY 8 TICKETS LEFT!)
- December — no meeting
- Wednesday, January 25th — @ Little Bit
- Wednesday, February 22nd — @ Noel House
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