The Institute For Conservation Leadership
The Network: Spring 2011
Is your volunteer workforce “2.0”?
Volunteers are the foundation upon which the environmental movement has grown and thrived. Whether your organization has a large, paid staff or is largely a volunteer-driven effort, robust nonprofits cannot ignore the contribution of this dedicated (and cost-effective!) workforce.
While a perfect world might consist of plentiful, eager volunteers doing the hands-on work of environmental protection, the face of that workforce—the who/what/when/where/why behind volunteering—is changing dramatically. Reaching the vibrant volunteer workforce of today's world requires new strategies, or moving from what we like to call “1.0” thinking to “2.0.”
Why? Because the economic downturn, retirement of baby-boomers, and influence of social and other online media have dramatically changed the reasons for volunteering, as well as the demographics of who will be knocking on your door and how they will reach you.
To better understand this new paradigm, ICL has released a new report, Volunteerism 2.0: Skilled Volunteers Bring New Talent to Organizations.
Tips: What you can do to be 2.0!
1. Make volunteering a “win/win”
- Maximize volunteer energy and input in a strategic way by learning your volunteers’ specific skills and offering the chance to use them.
- Don’t be afraid to ask!
- Think of volunteers as “resources” in the same way that you think of other organizational resources. Keep in mind that many volunteers may also see you as a resource to enhance their skills and marketability.
- Watch for staff resistance and overcome obstacles by...
Need help assessing your volunteer workforce capacity? If Volunteerism 2.0 left you with great ideas but wondering how to put them into play at your organization, give Peter Lane a call at 301.270.2903. Whether through a facilitated workshop or consultation with your leadership team, we’re experts at putting your volunteer workforce to work for you.
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