Keeping volunteers engaged over time

This is a key aspect, not only because onboarding new volunteers takes time and energy, but because they are part of our team and we need to take care of them.

• Volunteering to work in a project takes time and effort and let’s be honest, everyone enjoys feeling like themselves and their work is being valued, so please remember to show appreciation for their engagement and hard work (you will certainly see the effects)!

• It is easier to feel overwhelmed when you do not know exactly what is expected of you, this is why having clear roles and responsibilities is crucial.

• Look for their strengths and interests: Working on what you are passionate about and what you are good at, is a powerful motivator!

• Give opportunities to learn and take responsibility.

• Proactive communication is very important, especially if you sense a lack of engagement. This can be done, for instance, through regular check-ins with the volunteers you are working with. This will show them you value them and also can help you quickly identify some difficulties, so you can address them.

• Discuss and take into consideration volunteers’ time schedule and availability from the very beginning. In this way, you will know when they can be involved and also important dates to take into account (e.g. exam periods) to also adapt to their needs (which is part of the process of taking care of them). Make sure you stay up to date if this shifts

• Help them set boundaries and fully understand time-commitments → New volunteers might be eager to start and maybe they will not realize how much work they are taking on or how much time they would need to put in to get the job done. If you sense this is the case maybe gently ask if you can offer some advice ;)

• Make sure they prioritize their health, family, school, and work so they don’t start to feel that Volunteering is a burden

• Try and find value for them in the work they do so they feel motivated to keep working and see the benefits for helping us

When Things Get Hard

• Interests and energy will change over time, be prepared to let people go and don’t hold it against them

• Volunteer work is a lot of coordination & motivation etc. it’s worth to put the effort in but recognize things will be hard

• Figure out commitments from the start & set boundaries. Important to not be alone in this. Do not rely on just one person and put too much trust in individuals rather work as a team

• Build trust and open communication so they feel secure when expressing issues Talk to tension to create more space for you in the team > trust is needed

• Staying professional is important & hard

• Find people in the team to be able to vent to and find support