Volunteering Queensland - inVOLve Module 2: Prepare

A Strategic Approach to Volunteer Involvement

Preparation is the key to an effective program. In commencing your planning you will need to think about the model of volunteer involvement you will use. Each role requires different approaches to recruitment and management.

Is the main role of volunteers to:

1. Deliver the service
   
   This approach requires that volunteers are provided with substantial ongoing training and support as they are the key service deliverers. The role of the paid staff is to manage these volunteers, and they require skills in volunteer management.
   
   
2. Extend the work of the paid staff
   
   In planning this type of volunteer involvement, it is essential to ascertain from the paid staff what are the key jobs and tasks that volunteers can play an active role in.



3. Work on projects tailored to volunteers interests and skills
   
   This approach is particularly appropriate for volunteers with professional skills. It is important that care is taken to ensure the project addresses both the volunteer’s and the organisation’s needs.



4. Develop unfunded services
   
   In this approach it is especially important to involve volunteers in all stages of the project and clearly define areas of reporting and responsibility.



5. Act on the board / management committee
   
   While these volunteers play a key role in leading the organisation, they still require support, training and recognition.



6. Do everything !
   
   The majority of community groups and organisations are staffed by all volunteers. The approaches around effective volunteer management and support still apply! In many cases are even more important.