View this presentation for information on employing Volunteer Engagement Standards in your organization. Download the self-assessment at www.volunteerwisconsin.org.

1. Volunteer Management
Assessment &
Standards
Rachel Manuel Bruns
Volunteer Wisconsin
S

2. Changing the Paradigm
Traditional Volunteer
The New Paradigm
Program Model
S Volunteers serve in peripheral S Volunteers are central to
functions accomplishment of agency
mission
The Points of Light Foundation
Paradigm Project

3. Changing the Paradigm
Traditional Volunteer
Program Model The New Paradigm
Volunteer program exists because of Involvement of volunteers is tied to
history, accident, inertia the strategic plan for the organization

4. Changing the Paradigm
Traditional Volunteer
Program Model The New Paradigm
Management of volunteers is Volunteer involvement & supervision
centralized in the volunteer “program” is everyone’s responsibility

5. Changing the Paradigm
Traditional Volunteer
Program Model The New Paradigm
Volunteers are second class workers Volunteers are equal partners with
equal involvement

6. Changing the Paradigm
Traditional Volunteer
Program Model The New Paradigm
Volunteers are just there to do a job Volunteers have creative ideas

7. Changing the Paradigm
Traditional Volunteer
Program Model The New Paradigm
Volunteers are thought of as nice Volunteers are thought of as essential
“add ons” to meeting the mission.

8. Standards
*Standards created through the collective experience from
members of the Volunteer Center Association of Wisconsin
and Volunteer Wisconsin in addition to resources including
Points of Light Changing the Paradigm, Service Jam White
Paper, Department of Communities, Queensland,
Reimagining Service Principles, and Energize 12
Elements.
S

9. Planning
S Volunteer have a defined and integral role in meeting the mission
and strategic direction of the organization.
S A volunteer handbook is available and provides an overview of the
organization’s policies, code of ethics, and any important
information volunteers need to know before committing to
volunteering with the organization.
S Planning for volunteers takes place across the organization
including developing volunteer job descriptions including time
commitments
S Volunteers are engaged to meet true and identified community
needs balancing the role for volunteers of various skills and
interests.

10. Recruitment
S The organization is flexible in how volunteers can get involved
including online access, micro-volunteering, in-
person, telephone, seasonal, skill-based, one-time or ongoing
commitments
S Volunteers and your volunteer recruitment strategies reflect the
diversity of the community and the community populations
served.
S Volunteers are screened taking into consideration the skills
required, background checks if working with vulnerable
populations or information, and availability to meet the required
time commitment and hours.

11. Training
S A consistent orientation is provided to all volunteers
providing them with the context for their service and how
it is meaningful in meeting your organization’s mission.
S Training and ongoing supervision is provided to
volunteers consistent with the volunteer’s skills and
experience.

12. Resources
S Adequate financial resources are committed to volunteer
engagement to ensure volunteers and staff have the resources do
their jobs effectively
S A committed staff person oversees volunteer coordination and
maintains frequent communication with volunteers.
S Professional development on volunteer management is provided
for staff.
S Staff understand their role in managing volunteers for the
organization and it is integrated into staff job descriptions and
performance evaluation.

13. Recognition & Evaluation
S Volunteers are valued, their work is acknowledged, and
they are recognized.
S Volunteer involvement is examined and improved on an
ongoing basis including providing opportunity for
volunteer input.
S The organization maintains record keeping on volunteer
impact and hours served and reports the information in a
public format.

14. Assessment
S Take the self-assessment survey
S Circle the top two areas you can realistically accomplish
within the next six months
S Discuss in group the top two and share ideas/suggestions
S Start developing a plan with the Planning Document

15. Connect
Twitter.com/VolunteerWI
www.volunteerwisconsin.org
(414) 344-3933
rachel@volunteerwisconsin.org
Facebook.com/VolunteerWisconsin