Issue 61
July 19, 2007

NEWSNOTES is a monthly email newsletter published by NEW. It covers resources available at NEW in Ann Arbor as well as items of interest to the nonprofit community in southeastern Michigan. NEWSNOTES is proud to celebrate its sixth year of publication, with delivery to over 900 subscribers every month! We welcome your feedback and suggestions.

NEW would like to recognize the generous support of its Community Partners:

IN THIS ISSUE

LEAD STORY

When Volunteer Programs are Lacking

By Celeste Sauls-Marks, CVA*

Why do volunteers leave an organization? There are a myriad of reasons but several stand out, outlined below.

Lack of Appropriate Training

Volunteers need support in their roles in an agency. This includes training appropriate to their position. Training consideration should be considered for each volunteer position as they provide the support to and fulfillment of the organization’s mission. In a social service agency, volunteers need to understand how an agency’s services are delivered and their role in the agency. They may also need to receive additional information beyond how to perform the volunteer tasks. For instance, a volunteer who works with a Meals on Wheels program may also need to understand how to work with the elderly and to recognize signs of trouble or distress. These training options can provide a value for the volunteer, particularly if they want to build job skills or broaden their understanding of a subject. The compliance to standards for behavior and performance also convey to the volunteer that you value the contributions that they bring to the organization. If variances to established performance patterns are not addressed, volunteers begin to understand that their service is not particularly important to the overall mission of the organization.

Lack of Support

Following a vacation, every employee knows how disorienting it is to return to the office. Things often have changed. Projects have moved forward. There may be policy changes, staff changes and procedural changes. It often takes a day to become re-acclimated to the workplace. Now consider how it feels to the volunteer who comes in for a regular assignment on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. It becomes very important that there is a communication line set up so that the acclimation process can occur more quickly and the volunteer feels confident that they can complete their work. This may be a regular email to the volunteer or it may be a notice at the sign-in area. The format will vary with each organization and volunteer position requirements.

Also, good customer service is the cornerstone of volunteer resources management. Frequently, volunteers complain that they have contacted a number of agencies wanting to volunteer and never received a return phone call. A similar complaint is from the volunteer who submits an application that is never followed up on. Unfortunately, these situations are all too common. Does that mean that the nonprofit community no longer needs the assistance of dedicated volunteers? No, but it does highlight a real need for VRMs to provide excellent customer service.

Lack of Preparation

VRMs welcome volunteers into their organization, match them to opportunities and train them for their positions. Staff who will be supervising the volunteer also need to be prepared to welcome the volunteer and manage their work. This may include introducing the volunteer to fellow staff members, preparing a workspace and supplies and being ready to further orient the volunteer to their tasks. Unfortunately, often the VRM will have a complete understanding of the position that a volunteer will fill but staff members do not. This can be correct through one on one or general staff training and sharing of information. The bottom line is that volunteers are the fuel that make agencies run. Organizations need to ensure that all team members are prepared to integrate this resource into their work.

Lack of Impact

Nonprofits engage volunteers for a variety of reasons. They bring community support and understanding of an organization. They deliver vital services in the community. They expand the capacity of an organization. Volunteers, however, need to know that the time they contribute is time well spent addressing significant issues. “Busy work” does not convey this message. If volunteers are working on a project “because they need something to do,” leadership needs to address the validity of engaging volunteers.

Lack of Thanks

Lastly, everyone likes to be recognized for their efforts. Whether it is a recognition event, a letter to their employer or a heartfelt “thank you,” people need to know that the time spent away from their families and everyday responsibilities is valued and making a difference. Volunteers cite that one of the primary reasons they leave a volunteer position is that no one took the time to express their appreciation for their involvement.

Volunteers bring passion and special talents to the organizations they serve with. Working with this population requires special talents, preparation and support to effectively engage them. With appropriate measures, no volunteer program should ever be lacking.

*The author is Director of Service Works! at the Volunteer Center of North Texas . Copyright © Celeste Sauls-Marks. All rights reserved.

This article is reprinted with permission from CharityChannel.com and the author of this article. It was first published in Volunteer Management Review, April 11, 2007. The author holds the copyright to the article. To receive the entire issue by email each week, use the subscription form at CharityChannel. You can also seek permission for reprints and request more information from CharityChannel.

Additional Resources:

• See the subtopic “Volunteers” at ResourceConnect to find service providers, websites and print resources on volunteer management. Questions? Contact ResourceConnect (734-998-0160 x 218).

FEATURED ITEMS

The NEW Radio Hour!

In August NEW will start hosting a monthly radio hour on MetroChick Radio (WNZK 690 AM). On the last Thursday of every month, NEW will feature Metro area nonprofits and bring attention to the issues facing our nonprofit community. Tune into our first show on August 30 at 9 a.m. Also coming soon: a web feed so that you can listen to the show through a computer from any location.

Executive Leadership Fellows III

Oakland Community College, Orchard Ridge Campus
I-696 and Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, MI
Beginning September 20
Application Deadline: August 6

Are you an executive director with less than three years experience leading a nonprofit organization? The Michigan Nonprofit Association's Leadership Institute invites you to submit an application for their Emerging Leadership Fellows Program. Take advantage of this comprehensive preparation and planning seminar to acquire and fine-tune basic management skills.

The program spans seven months and includes ten full days of training by sector experts. Learning Circles meet monthly to share day-to-day realities of leadership; participants commit to 10 to 15 hours a month. Many top-of-the-line course materials are included in the $795 fee.

New leaders from throughout the state are invited to participate in this dynamic learning opportunity and share in networking, brainstorming, resource sharing and thought-provoking conversation!

This is a competitive application process and registrations cannot be made online. Find the brochure with detailed information and application on the MNA website. Any questions maybe directed to Mitzy Sharp Futro in MNA's Metro-Detroit office (313-309-1666).

Emerging Leaders VIII

Oakland Community College, Orchard Ridge Campus
I-696 and Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, MI
Beginning August 23
Application Deadline: July 23

The Michigan Nonprofit Association's Leadership Institute is also accepting applications for the Emerging Leaders program – a comprehensive training opportunity for program-level staff. This six-month commitment prepares participants for future leadership in the nonprofit sector through education, critical thinking and dialogue. Each student is mentored by a leader in the sector.

Applications must be mailed. Find the form and more information online.

Mitzy Sharp Futro (313-309-1666) may be contacted with questions.

Upcoming Trainings

Visit the ResourceConnect Training Calendar to find a comprehensive listing of learning opportunities to benefit you, your board, your staff, your volunteers. A few highlights:

• What Color is Your Parachute?
  Two different classes are offered based on the best-selling career development book; sponsored by The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living. Location: Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor. Contact Edward Wollmann, 734-971-0277 ext 32 for more details.
  • For professionals in the employment services/career development fields
    Monday and Tuesday, August 20 and 21, $375
  • For job/career seekers
  Wednesday – Friday, August 22-24, $475
  
  
• Foundation Center Proposal Writing Seminar
  Tuesday, October 16, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  Michigan League, Ann Arbor
  $195
  The popular one-day workshop on how to write a grant proposal will be taught locally again this fall. Experienced Foundation Center staff will teach you how to craft a comprehensive, compelling proposal package—step by step. Participants receive a copy of the new 5th edition of The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing, (a $34.95 value) and a workbook outlining all major course topics. Get more details and register online.
  
  
• Grantsmanship Training Program
  October 15-19
  Judson Center, Royal Oak
  $875
  Designed for both novice and experienced grantseekers, this intensive, five-day training covers all aspects of searching for grants, writing grant proposals, and negotiating with funding sources.

Free Software from Google

Google is making the educational version of its Google Apps software available for no charge to nonprofit organizations in the United States. If your organization has 501(c)(3) status, you can take advantage of free, powerful applications that are easy to set up and require no maintenance. Find out more.

Moving the D Forward

Thursday, July 26, 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Wayne State University Law School

Wayne State University, WWJ Newsradio 950, and WDET 101.9 fm invite all to attend a breakfast that will be a candid discussion with young leaders on the legacy of 1967 and its impact on the future of Detroit.

Admission is free., but you must register in advance. Find more information on the WWJ website.

Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management

The Society for Nonprofit Organizations (SNPO) recently announced that they are now jointly awarding their "Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management" with Michigan State University (Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies - CARRS).

SNPO is aware of how difficult it can be for nonprofit employees to find the time and money necessary for continuing education and career advancement. This new arrangement means that you or members of your staff can now take courses online and earn a meaningful credential from a major university. Each course in the eight-part Certificate Series takes less than 8 hours to complete. Learners decide when they want to activate a course; they then have up to 30 days to complete the work for that course. Best of all, the price has been discounted for SNPO members so that it can fit in your nonprofit budget ($99/course).
See SNPO's Learning Institute website for more information.

Distinguished Volunteer Nominees Sought

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Greater Detroit Chapter has set the date of November 15 for its National Philanthropy Day Celebration Dinner at the Dearborn Inn. They are encouraging nonprofits to submit nominees for the Distinguished Volunteer Award to be given that night. Nominations are due by August 31. Access the form at the AFP website, complete as a word document and email to afpdetroitchapter@ameritech.net. Questions? Contact Nina Holden (313-343-4065).

Reminders

• NEW's npServ program wants to help your nonprofit with cutting-edge technology solutions. Read a current success story.
• AFP luncheon meeting, Thursday, July 26 “When Temptation Strikes: Ethical Behavior in a Confusing World.”
• Big House Big Heart Run, U of M Football Stadium, September 30
  
  

REGULAR FEATURES

Fundraising for Small Groups Newsletter: free fundraising ideas, tips, and secrets for the small nonprofit fundraiser. A recent issue brought our attention to Freecycle, the online network that gives a new name to in-kind donations. See the latest issue and subscribe.

Nonprofit Bulletin Board

Visit NEW's Nonprofit Bulletin Board to post and view notices about free resources, fundraising opportunities, and other items relevant to the southeast Michigan nonprofit community.

Events Calendar

Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau calendar of events. E-mail Nick Miller to request a password to submit an event.