Volunteer Management Training
Step Two: State

You are at the second of 6 lessons in the short course on Volunteer Management - Step Two: State. Links to the other five are at the bottom of the page.

State what you want! We are often so sensitive about our volunteers’ time and feelings that we downplay what we need. This generally backfires. Know what you need and ask for it.

Write it down. If you have a tendency to understate your needs, develop a system that works for you and is foolproof. You may need to put your need in writing (you may share what you write or just say it), the process of writing it down clears up any confusion or uncertainty on your part before you approach the volunteer.

Be specific. If you are asking for a commitment from the volunteer estimate the time, cost, number of meetings and a start and end date. If you are addressing a problem or potential problem be clear about what needs to change.

Make it official. Once you have stated your need and come to an agreement, put it in writing. The few minutes it takes to do that is well worthwhile.

This is all about relationship building and that is important to your growth!

The other five Nonprofit Champion Actions for Great Volunteer Managers:

Ask – ask them to serve, ask for feedback, ask their opinions, ask for more

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