Managing volunteers can be super challenging, to say the least.  There are some that are super needy, and a few of them are like know it alls and they often feel more entitled to know the inner workings of the organization and provide feedback on the day to day operations and expect you to see things their way.  They also want to be a part of the decision making for nonprofits.

Hi! I'm Lisa Clark and I help nonprofits and fundraisers like YOU raise money through events so you can meet your annual revenue goals! I'm also the host of a free Facebook Group, Raising with Lisa Clark, a free group for fundraisers, NPOs, development team members, volunteers, and supporters. I included a link below so you can request to join right away!

Link to Join Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/112148672944584/

But at the end of the day, How I REALLY Feel About Volunteer Management and volunteers, is GRATEFUL!

I recently oversaw a very special volunteer.  He’s an 86-year-old retired Chief Marketing Officer of a local tech company in the Silicon Valley.  While I don’t oversee him anymore, he ‘s still providing tours for families whose child is receiving heart surgery. He provides the tour of the cardiac unit for the parents while the child’s in surgery.  He lets them know the lay of the land - where they can grab a cup of coffee in the cafe, he makes sure they have parking passes cause families getting treatment don’t pay for parking, where to sleep, how to check out a bed, where to store food for those staying for long durations of time, how to order door dash, where the family resource center is in case they need toiletries or want to check out a book.  He knows more about the hospital resources than hospital employees! He takes his volunteer role very seriously and shows up for his one shift every week. He’s done this for over 10 years. And, he doesn't just go on vacation and NOT tell anyone. He lets everyone know he’ll be gone. He goes to Lake Tahoe. And you know what? He is very missed when he’s gone. How can you not be grateful for volunteers!!!!  

If that doesn’t show you how valuable volunteers are to an organization here’s more reasons:

Here’s why:

1. They serve as an incredible resource and offer up a variety of different talents
2. They save organizations thousands of dollars but doing tasks that cost money!  I’ve mentioned in past episodes that I’m the Corporate Partner Programs Manager for Stanford Children’s Hospital and our Corporate Partners have volunteered 3200 hours of volunteer work.  Collectively that’s the equivalent of a full-time employee!
3. Volunteers help with fundraising
4. They help support fundraising events
5. They help with operations and provide support for everyday tasks

The list goes on and on!

So, with that said - how do you best recognize them for all their hardwork?

1. A little goes a long way so writing them a good old fashion handwritten note means the world to some people
2. How about Swag - give um agency logo’d t-shirt, hat, coffee mug - who doesn’t love that!
3. Another nice thing to do is after a big volunteering session such as envelope stuffing for hours, or cleaning up a park, or cleaning toys at your shelter, - perhaps add a pizza night following this.  Every once in a while goes a long way!
4. Here’s a bigger way to recognize your volunteers - Create a volunteer service award and honor your volunteer at your annual fundraising event.

 

Want to design your event with me? Join the waitlist for the next wave of sign-ups for my course "Fundraising Events That Deliver", a 5-module course where you'll learn the best tips and tricks I've learned over the years and get access to my exclusive system to make every event succeed. 

Link to the Course 

https://raisingwithlisaclark.lpages.co/fed/ 

Also, here’s my FREE Checklist on How to Create A Pipeline of New Donors for Your Next Big Fundraiser? Click the link to get the instantly downloadable checklist that's easily implementable (is that a word?)!

https://risingwithlisaclark.lpages.co/donorchecklist/ 

Don't forget to connect with me on other social media platforms as well! 

Blog: https://www.raisingwithlisaclark.com/blog 
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