1. The ORIENTATION & HANDBOOK
The presentation will begin momentarily.
Please be certain that you have
speakers connected or dial in using the
phone number provided then enter the
access code followed by the # sign.

2. Presenter: Sandra Miller
Consultant/Trainer,
Volunteer Centers of Michigan
saltzmiller@gmail.com
Administrator: Chelsea Martin
Program Manager, Volunteer Centers of Michigan
cmartin@mivolunteers.org

3. Michigan Community Service Commission, Michigan
Nonprofit Association, Volunteer Centers of
Michigan, Michigan Campus Compact, and the
LEAGUE Michigan with support from the Connect
Michigan Alliance Endowment Fund and the
Corporation for National and Community Service, are
proud to support the ENGAGE Volunteer
Management training series.

4. Goals
• Identify the purpose and importance of
the volunteer orientation and handbook
• Provide specific examples for each
step.
• Share tips and tools.
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5. Orientation & Training
Orientation
• Provides volunteers with information about the
organization, the volunteer program and how
volunteers fit into the mission of the organization
• Puts a face to the organization
• Facilitates the connection
• Insures that the volunteer has the
correct information.
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6. ―Orientation is the
process of making
volunteers feel
comfortable with and
understand the workings
of the organization…and
to let them understand
how they can contribute
to the purpose of the
organization‖
McCurley & Lynch, Volunteer
Management, 2006
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7. Varies by
Organization
Volunteer Position
ORGANIZATION & PLANNING

8. Consider:
• Number of people
to be oriented
• Number of
staff/volunteers
available to do the
orienting
• Prior experience of
the new volunteer
• Type of service—
length of commitment

9. Determine Organization
Structure Planning
• Large, formal vs. • Who will be responsible
Individual for the orientation?
• Determine time, place,
• Specified time and date and equipment/materials
vs. Part of first day of needed
service.
• Get the word out.
• Amount and type of • Determine the agenda
information to be and timeline
covered.

10. Online Orientations
Powerpoint or Video

11. Consider Volunteer Motivations and Needs
STRUCTURE

12. Make Connections
Meet New People
Feel Connected With Community

13. Meet Community Needs
• Organization’s Mission
• Volunteer’s Role, Volunteer Case
Statement
• Accomplishments
• Current Goals/Needs

14. SUBSTANDARD HOUSING
• 30% of income being paid
toward housing is considered
―affordable‖
• Approximately 24% of Appleton-
Neenah-Oshkosh residents pay
more than 30%.
• $21,400 is the income needed to
afford the average 2 bedroom
rental in the area.
• 60% of service occupations are
paid less than $21,400.
• $64,226 is considered at
―affordable‖ home for average
wages.
• Less than 4% of homes in
Appleton area sell at or below
525 First Street, Menasha
$60,000.00
Before--

15. HABITAT
RECLAIMS PROPERTIES AND COMMUNITIES
AFTER. . .
A
Simple, Dece
nt,
Affordable
HOME
525 First Street, Menasha

16. A Simple, Decent, Affordable Home
• Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for
Humanity invites people of all
backgrounds, races and religions to build
houses together in partnership with
families in need.
• GFCAHFH is an equal opportunity lender
• GFCAHFH builds in
Winnebago, Calumet, Outagamie
Counties as well as Waupaca, New
London, Nichols, Hilbert, Chilton, &
Brillion.
• Habitat Homes are Energy Star and
Green Built Certified

17. 108 homes built,
104 mortgages
104 families, =
Over 350 CHILDREN

18. Provide Relevant Information
ORIENTATION TOPICS

19. The Organization
• Structure—board, staffing
• Brief History including accomplishments
• Contact Information
• Relevant partnerships/affiliations
– Funding Streams
• Clients Served, Selection Process

20. • Volunteer Positions
• Relevant Policies & Procedures
– Dress
– Responsibilities (Code of Conduct)
– Forms
– Schedule—Training & Service
– Evaluation & Performance Review
– Volunteer Benefits
– Communication Process
• Emails, newsletters, website, volunteer
registration site.

21. Orientation
Topics
Structure
How do you Make it Motivational?
Share Examples

22. The Orientation is
NOT Training
Training is specific to the position
or event

23. Include Stories
from volunteers & clients

24. Put It In Writing
THE VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK

25. PURPOSE
• Risk Management
– Guidelines for Conduct
• Answers Questions
– Why should I volunteer?
– How will I be making a difference?
– What is this organization all about?
• Accurate Information
• Inspires and Motivates
• Deepens Commitment
– Step in Effective Recruitment & Retention

26. • Table of Contents
• Staff & Volunteer
Directory
• Orientation Materials
• Terms & Acronyms
• Rules, Policies,
Expectations
• Volunteer & Client Rights
• Volunteer
Separation/Dismissal
• Copies of Forms
• Sign-off Form

27. HANDBOOK
How do you make it interesting?
Save costs?
Share Examples

28. Unique & Evolving
This handbook will provide you with general
policies and practices of . You are
encouraged to familiarize yourself with the
contents of this manual, for it will answer many
questions concerning our organization and
outline how volunteers like yourself can
contribute. In order to retain necessary flexibility
in the administration of policies and procedures
reserves the right to amend any of the policies
and/or benefits described in this manual.

29. Make It Interesting
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful
lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. ~Dr.
Seuss
If you think you are too small to be effective, you
have never been in bed with a mosquito. ~Betty
Reese
Thank you for ―caring a lot‖. Your persistence is
appreciated. May you find that this volunteer
experience with ____ further enriches you.

30. THANK YOU
Please respond to the evaluation that you
will receive by email.
Your input is valuable
Join Us February 28 —
Volunteer Training and Supervision
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