Pa571 Volunteers at a Non-Proft Organization

Volunteers at a Nonprofit Organization

Tanisha Lewis

PA571: Nonprofit Organizational Management

Course Project

Professor Autumn Burton

April 2012

Introduction

Volunteers are essential to a nonprofit organization because they extend the resources of an association. Volunteers provide extra hands that enable an association to do tasks and activities that might not otherwise get done. Volunteers also provide valuable input to association leadership and staff. The subject of volunteers is important because they can help achieve many goals while maintaining a positive image for the organization. This course project will be based on volunteers in a nonprofit organization and how different approaches can be used to attract, manage, and retain volunteers. An organization should also have an idea of who they will get, what they would do, and when they need to recruit them when it comes to volunteers. “Nonprofits need to think strategically about volunteers at every level, from participants in small events to members of the boards of directors. We need a plan for recruiting, retaining, and guiding volunteers, just as we need a plan for paid staff. Otherwise, we run the risk of wasting and losing these incredibly valuable resources” (Wheeler, Cass 2009).

With this idea in mind the organization can run accordingly to achieve goals set forth in the mission statement. In order to achieve a goal there needs to be a detailed plan in order to complete it. Provide things other than monetary options to volunteers by taking the time to find out what motivates them.

Recruiting Volunteers

A nonprofit organization should look at the different qualifications and skills currently held by potential volunteers. It can be essential for volunteers to have experience with networking with different communities. Volunteers will play an important part interacting with the public and representing the organization. With the...