Volunteer Management Training
Step One: Ask

You are starting the 6 lessons in the short course on Volunteer Management - Step One: Ask. Links to the other five are at the bottom of the page.

Do not be afraid to ask. Think of the times you have been asked to do something and considered it an honor. A sincere request for someone’s talents is flattering. Existing volunteers are are a great starting point, they are already committed to your cause and they were motivated to volunteer in the first place.

Ask for feedback. Volunteers are often on the front line and they can give you valuable insight. If you can not speak to them personally provide easy and convenient ways for them to give you feedback. You could do this on line or by providing a form, depending on your volunteers.

Allow your volunteers to be opinionated. You want to know what they think because you will get ideas from them. And better they complain to you than to your clients/guests.

Don’t hesitate to ask for more or something different from your volunteers. Obviously there is a point where you can overdue it but if you have a relationship with them you should be able to make a good judgment about what else they might be willing and able to give or do.

The other Nonprofit Champion Actions for Great Volunteer Managers:

State – state your needs and expectations clearly, be sure they are understood

Listen – really listen when they speak, let them know you are interested

Inspire – be the person who inspires them by your work, your creativity and your enthusiasm

Include – include them in decisions that will affect them, invite them to serve on Teams

Thank – show your appreciation often and sincerely

Done with Step One Ask. Go back to Volunteer Management Training.