How To Retain Volunteers
Today, we're focusing on a topic crucial to the growth and sustainability of any nonprofit: how to retain volunteers. Attracting volunteers is one thing, but retaining them is another challenge altogether. To help us with effective retaining volunteers strategies, I’m delighted to introduce Rhonda Travers. Rhonda will share her wealth of experience and insights on how to retain volunteers and ensure they remain committed and engaged with your organization.
A Passion for Nonprofits
Rhonda Travers has a rich history of working with businesses and nonprofits to increase engagement, retention, and productivity. With over 30 years of experience in training, consulting, and speaking, Rhonda has a wealth of expertise to share. Her passion for nonprofits stems from their community-serving nature and the unique challenges they face due to being under-resourced. Rhonda's commitment to volunteering began in college with Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity, and was further solidified by personal experiences with cancer through her involvement with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
Why Volunteer Retention Matters
The Importance of Volunteers
Volunteers are the lifeblood of nonprofits, helping organizations achieve their missions. Retaining these volunteers is essential, as their dedication and efforts can make a significant difference. Rhonda emphasizes that understanding and meeting volunteers' needs is key to keeping them engaged and committed.
Strategies for Retaining Volunteers
The Four Core Human Needs
Rhonda outlines a strategy for retaining volunteers based on four core human needs: flexibility, appreciation, information, and empowerment.
1. Flexibility
In today's world, flexibility is paramount. Volunteers often juggle busy schedules and may prefer remote or flexible volunteering options. Offering roles that can be performed virtually or breaking down tasks into smaller time commitments can make volunteering more accessible and appealing.
2. Appreciation
People who feel appreciated are more likely to go the extra mile. Genuine and specific appreciation, beyond a simple thank you, can make a big difference. Recognizing volunteers' efforts with sincere acknowledgments, handwritten notes, or personalized tokens of gratitude can foster a sense of value and belonging.
3. Information
Keeping volunteers informed is crucial. Clear communication about their roles, responsibilities, and the impact of their contributions helps volunteers feel connected to the mission. Utilizing multiple communication channels, such as emails, social media, and text messages, ensures that important information reaches everyone.
4. Empowerment
Volunteers want to feel empowered and see how their efforts contribute to the organization's mission. Understanding why volunteers join and what motivates them can help tailor their roles to align with their passions and skills. Empowering volunteers by giving them meaningful tasks and opportunities for growth fosters a deeper connection to the cause.
Practical Tips for Retaining Volunteers
Personalized Appreciation
Small gestures, such as sending birthday cards or acknowledging specific contributions, can go a long way in making volunteers feel valued. Personal touches show that the organization recognizes and appreciates each volunteer's unique efforts.
Effective Communication
Regular and clear communication helps keep volunteers engaged. Providing updates on the organization's progress and how volunteers' work contributes to success reinforces their sense of purpose.
Offering Flexible Opportunities
Creating a variety of volunteer roles with different time commitments and responsibilities allows volunteers to choose what best fits their schedules and interests. This flexibility increases the likelihood of long-term engagement.
Finding New Volunteers
Leveraging Existing Volunteers
One effective strategy for recruiting new volunteers is through referrals from current volunteers. Top-performing volunteers can often recommend friends or colleagues who share similar values and interests.
Engaging Local Schools and Universities
Partnering with schools and universities can be a great way to introduce young people to volunteering. Many students seek volunteer opportunities to fulfill service hour requirements or to gain experience, making educational institutions a valuable resource for new volunteers.
Working with Rhonda Travers
Services Offered
Rhonda offers a range of services to help organizations with volunteer engagement and retention. These include speaking engagements, training workshops, and HR business consulting. Each service is tailored to address specific challenges and needs, providing practical solutions to enhance volunteer management.
IN CLOSING
Retaining volunteers is vital for the success and sustainability of nonprofits. By understanding and addressing volunteers' core needs—flexibility, appreciation, information, and empowerment—organizations can create a supportive and engaging environment that fosters long-term commitment. Rhonda Travers' insights and strategies provide valuable guidance for nonprofits looking to strengthen their volunteer programs and achieve their missions more effectively.
For more information and to connect with Rhonda Travers, visit her LinkedIn or website, and don't forget to follow her #TraversTuesdayTip on LinkedIn for regular business insights.