Volunteer management

Volunteer management is the organization and coordination of the activities of people who are willing to contribute their time, energy and skills towards achieving the goals of the organization, free of charge.

What are the stages of volunteer management?

Volunteer management includes task planning, volunteer recruitment, and providing training, mentoring, motivation and recognition.

  • Planning involves defining the tasks that are required, writing job descriptions, specifying the knowledge and skills expected of volunteers, and thinking through the volunteers’ practical organization.
  • Recruitment entails disseminating information regarding volunteer involvement and inviting people to volunteer, interviewing interested candidates, identifying their wishes and opportunities, and selecting suitable volunteers.
  • Introduction and training include helping new volunteers getting started and involved in the organization, introducing the rules and principles within the organization, discussing each other’s rights and responsibilities and, where appropriate, writing agreements and training volunteers.
  • Guidance means setting specific goals in collaboration with the volunteer, implementing activities, evaluating results, providing mutual feedback, and reorganizing activities when needed – such as assigning new tasks or taking greater responsibility.
  • Motivating is organizing activities in a way that contributes to the goals of the organization and at the same time takes into account the goals, wishes, opportunities and needs of the volunteers.
  • Recognition is about thanking volunteers for their activities.