by Sita

Created on: June 05, 2008

As a volunteer Volunteer Coordinator, and someone that recently completed a project valued locally at $85,000 for free, I have to think that I've crossed the line from "dedicated" and "passionate" and moved into "maybe a little bit crazy". Yet in my many adventures as a volunteer, I've learned that there are a few things that set a person that shows up apart from someone that is an effective volunteer.

An effective volunteer makes use of their own talents, and also is resourceful. They get the job done with minimal assistance, usually in part because it is rewarding and challenging to them on a personal level. They are invested in the cause, and are often the best advocates for the group or organization. In times, they are the lifeblood of an organization.

An effective volunteer will let you know their strengths and weaknesses ahead of time, and will work with you to determine where they would be best suited to donate their time and energy. Those that volunteer to fulfill an organization or to have their name on something are more likely to show up but don't seem to actually want to do anything once they are there, while the effective and dedicated volunteers will come in and ask "so what do you need today?" and jump right in, regardless of whether they like the work or not.

Yet we need to remember not to under- or overestimate our volunteers. Too much hard work and they will feel that they are too pressured, or that they are being used. Too much easy work will make them feel undervalued or that their time may be better used elsewhere. A good volunteer is someone that finds their niche and fulfills a role within an organization or group, and not only does their part but also gains a personal satisfaction from doing so. Not all volunteers will be effective volunteers. When you are dependant on volunteers for work, you will quickly realize that there are some that you just can't seem to find the right task for, or they just don't seem as though their hearts are in it. Perhaps it is best for both sides that these people generally tend to drift away after a while, though its necessary to remember that we must appreciate these people even if they do seem to be more trouble than they're worth.

An effective volunteer, however, will take responsibility seriously, and show up when expected, or let you know if they cannot. They will work hard, stay late, come early, or do tasks above and beyond what is necessary. Or, if they can't do that, they will do the best job that they can do while they are there, and their enthusiasm and dedication will help to boost the morale of everyone they come in contact with.

Its easy to say that organizations need more effective volunteers, but the truth of the matter is that its a two-way street. We also need to utilize the volunteers that we do have in more effective ways, by finding out what their skills and interests are, using their passion in creative and meaningful ways, and remembering to be grateful that the work they are doing is work that they choose to do, not that they have to. The most effective volunteer relationships are those that have a mutual benefit of satisfaction and appreciation, to both the organization or cause, and to the volunteer on a personal level.

Learn more about this author, Sita.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.