Your divisions’ volunteer leaders are a crucial part to continuing the great work and overall goals of your division. Now is a good time to review how you are working to engage volunteer leaders and look for ways to boost engagement. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you work to build engagement:
- Training and resources: Whether a volunteer is new to their position or partially through their term, a training session or reminder of resources can enhance their confidence. The Division Engagement Office is here to help by offering our support and resources for division leaders.
- Acknowledge the division’s mission: With Divisions, volunteer leaders are initially brought in by a connection to the division goal or interest area. In general, “people want to know how their work is important to making a difference, so whenever you can explain that do soopens in new window.” Remember that potential impact can be a big motivator for many volunteer leaders.
- Communication is key: This is a common saying, but it cannot be overlooked, or its power underestimated. VolunteerHub has a great list of potential items to communicate with volunteersopens in new window, including organizational updates and success stories demonstrating your mission.
- Recognize achievements: Volunteer leaders take time out of their normal schedules to handle division tasks. This can soon develop into a tireless effort, with no reward and decreased engagement. It’s important to recognize individual volunteer accomplishments, as well as division and organization successes or awards. This past year Division Engagement Office recognized our volunteers during National Volunteer Weekopens in new window with a “thank you” video. Other creative ideasopens in new window include sending letters and recognizing them through your communication channels.
These are only a few of the ways you can begin to increase the overall engagement of your volunteer leaders. This is a great place to start your engagement journey. Has your division done something that worked well? Please share it via the Division Digest submission formopens in new window or on one of the division leaders’ listservs (divtrio, divtreasurers, divmem, divadmin).
For more information and best practices, contact your Division Engagement liaison.