The Steier Group - Steier Tips - Volunteer Training

Steier Tips

Volunteer Training

In the Steier Group's history of conducting more than 550 capital campaigns, we have found that successful campaigns have an undeniable common denominator — strong volunteers. Volunteers have great intentions and huge hearts but in order to be truly effective, many also need information and training.

The following list includes some of the fundamental steps to help determine the impact of a volunteer's service for your effort.

     ·  Inform. It is essential to provide volunteers with accurate background         information on the project so that they understand your strategic plan and their         role in achieving it. The value of educating your volunteers is multiplied many         times over when you consider that they are likely to be your strongest         advocates.

     ·  Be prepared. Organization is a key to credibility with your volunteers. Provide         an agenda, contact information, a master meeting calendar (with dates of         future meetings) and supporting documents in a personalized volunteer packet.

     ·  What is my role? Include a job description in the volunteer packet. It helps to         ensure that volunteers fully understand what is expected of them.

     ·  Don't give a monologue. Be interactive, ask questions, encourage feedback         and find other ways to engage attendees. Begin by asking volunteers to stand         up, introduce themselves and share why they are passionately involved with         your organization and this effort. This strengthens volunteers resolve and         promotes unity through shared experiences.

     ·  Feed the people. Provide snacks or meals and allow for time at the beginning         of the meeting for socializing and mingling.

     ·  Be genuinely appreciative. Volunteers are motivated by sincere thanks.         Your respect for their time and effort will serve you well in this project and         forge a lasting partnership.

While these might not be new ideas, hopefully they serve as bedrock reminders of how to train your volunteers to play a vital role in your successful campaign.

E-mail this article to a friend

Other Steier Tips articles: