12 ways to communicate better with your volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of your not-for-profit community group, and keeping them informed and engaged is crucial for the success of the organisation and how it delivers on its mission.
Good communication with volunteers ensures that everyone is on the same page and that everyone is aware of what is expected of them.
Here are 12 ways that not-for-profit community groups can better communicate with their volunteers:
- Set expectations
Make sure that volunteers understand what is expected of them in terms of time, skills, and responsibilities. Be clear about what tasks they will be expected to perform and what kind of support they will receive.
- Regular updates
Keep volunteers informed about changes or updates to the organisation. Use a combination of email, social media, and newsletters to keep everyone informed and engaged.
- Volunteer appreciation
Show volunteers that you appreciate their efforts by recognizing their hard work and dedicating time to thank them. Offer volunteer appreciation events, such as dinners or awards, to acknowledge their contributions.
- Communication channels
Offer a variety of communication channels for volunteers to reach out to the organisation, such as email, social media, or a dedicated volunteer hotline. This ensures that volunteers can reach out whenever they need to.
- Feedback
Encourage volunteers to provide feedback on their experience and provide opportunities for them to voice their concerns or suggestions. Consider implementing a volunteer feedback form or a volunteer satisfaction survey.
- Training
Offer regular training and development opportunities for volunteers to help them grow and develop their skills. This could include workshops, online courses, or mentorship programs.
- Volunteer manual
Develop a comprehensive volunteer manual that outlines all the important information volunteers need to know about the organisation and their role. This manual should be easily accessible and updated regularly.
- Emergency procedures
Make sure volunteers are aware of the organisation’s emergency procedures and how to handle unexpected situations. Regular training sessions on emergency procedures can help prepare volunteers for any eventualities.
- Volunteer recognition
Recognize the efforts and contributions of volunteers by featuring them in newsletters, social media, or other forms of communication. This helps to create a sense of community and encourages volunteers to feel valued.
- Clear role descriptions
Make sure that volunteers understand their role and responsibilities. Provide clear role descriptions and guidelines to ensure everyone is aware of their responsibilities.
- Two-way communication
Encourage two-way communication between volunteers and the organisation. Provide opportunities for volunteers to voice their opinions and provide feedback on the organisation.
- Volunteer involvement
Encourage volunteer involvement in the organisation’s decision-making processes. Give volunteers a voice and provide opportunities for them to contribute to the direction and growth of the organisation.
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Effective communication with volunteers is key to the success of any not-for-profit community group that wants to engage its members in delivering on its mission and vision.