Basics in Management of Volunteers

Task:

1. Create a list of all the events that you need to coordinate. These could be projects in which you are directly involved or those where you're tasked with managing the volunteers. If the latter case applies to you, try to perform the following tasks in collaboration with the event manager or gather the necessary information independently.

2. Enumerate all the departments required for executing each type of event at different stages - before, during, and after the event. Bear in mind that certain departments may be involved in one or two stages of the event's timeline, but not necessarily all three.

3. The next step is to scrutinize the lists individually to:

· Determine where volunteers are needed and which departments require them.

· Ascertain the minimum number of volunteers needed per department (essential to cover crucial tasks) and the maximum number desired (including backups, etc.).

· Calculate the total number of volunteers required.

· Establish the responsibilities for each department - their TO DO list.

· If the total number of volunteers required runs into dozens or hundreds, think about how many leaders (volunteers or paid staff) you need. Is one for each department adequate, or should you consider a more effective communication and supervision strategy for all volunteers? Also, estimate the amount of time they require.

· Outline your responsibilities concerning volunteers. These might include finding the right volunteers for each department (since it's crucial for them to be motivated and fit in the right place), assigning tasks, providing explanations, verifying understanding, training the volunteers, and monitoring and evaluating performance - your TO DO list.

In this lesson, you will learn how to use the Logic Model tool to structure a personalised volunteer management plan so that it appears simplified and visual, allowing you to get a big picture of the volunteering activity.

The logic model template is an excellent resource for volunteer managers.

It is a graphical representation of the inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes of a programme, or, depending on the model version, of a programme.

A logic model typically consists of five main components:

· inputs,

· activities,

· outputs,

· outcomes, and

· impacts.

Inputs are the resources required to run your programme, such as staff, volunteers, a budget, materials, and equipment.

Activities are the actions you take to deliver your programme, such as training, mentoring, or advocacy.

Outputs are the direct products or services that result from your activities, such as the number of volunteers recruited, trained, or placed.

Outcomes are the changes or benefits that occur as a result of your outputs, such as increased skills, knowledge, or satisfaction, for your participants, beneficiaries, or community.

Impacts are the long-term or broader effects that your programme has, such as improved health, education, or the environment.

The logic model template assists you in effectively planning and implementing volunteer programmes. It ensures that all necessary resources are available, that activities are aligned with programme or organisational goals, and that the results are measurable. It also aids in better communicating the program's goals and achievements to volunteers and stakeholders such as sponsors and the local community.