Any organization that depends on volunteers needs to invest a fair amount of time and effort into training. One way to ensure that the training is consistent is to design a training manual. Designing a training manual for volunteers is significantly different than designing one for employees. Here are some of the things that should be taken into consideration when designing a training manual for volunteers:
Mission statement - the first item that should be included in any training manual for volunteers is a mission statement. This helps each volunteer understand what they are working towards. Volunteers who understand the goal of an organization are likely to be far more committed to the success of the organization.
Time commitments - as much as possible, each task that is laid out in a training manual for volunteers should include an estimated time of completion. This will allow volunteers to understand how much is required of them. Not every volunteer has 10 to 15 hours each week to dedicate to a task. However, if you can set realistic time commitments for each individual task, you are more likely to find someone willing to commit their time.
Check lists - in general, various activities will be done by different volunteers at different times. This means that check lists are necessary. They help ensure that activities run smoothly, by clearly delineating necessary steps to take. Providing an accurate checklist of everything that needs to be done also will allow volunteers to work together and break tasks down to manageable pieces.
Mentors - one of the most effective ways of ensuring a volunteer success is to include the names of mentors in training manuals. These are the people who have successfully completed the volunteer activity in the past. They can provide invaluable insight to each task. A mentor can be a valuable asset to every volunteer.
Tone - it is important that you keep in mind the audience that you are speaking to. If your volunteers are teens, you would want to write your manual to teens. If they are adults, the tone should be appropriate for adults. It is important to remember, but you should never talk down to anyone. Appropriate tone is important so that you do not alienate your volunteers.
Realistic - one of the most crucial aspects of designing a training manual for volunteers is reality. Do not under any circumstances downplay the necessity of any role. Each volunteer role is important to the overall operation and this must be stressed. Remember, volunteers will stay engaged if they feel they are contributing to the overall goals of the organization.
Summary
When you depend on volunteers to assist you in your everyday operations, a training manual can be an invaluable tool. Not only can training manuals provide a road map for events, it can help keep volunteers on track. Designing a training manual for volunteers helps volunteers succeed, and in the end helped organizations succeed.