As we’ll see, there are several benefits for associations that build a volunteer program and network. However, establishing a strong one that maximizes those benefits requires some planning. In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about how volunteer networks help you and your members, as well as how to take the first steps in creating one.
How a strong volunteer network can benefit your association
Creating a strong volunteer network offers much more than simply getting some work for free. In fact, that’s not even on our list of benefits that it brings to your association. Your association should, first and foremost, be about better serving its members. Here’s how a volunteer network allows you to do that:
- Improve engagement and member retention – Everyone likes to feel as though they are a part of something. Volunteer networks provide an outlet for that desire. They allow members to actively take part in the association’s activities and, through this extra layer of engagement, help to create an environment members want to stay a part of.
- Create a stronger community – Increased engagement bring benefits beyond increasing member retention. When members of your community or working together towards a common set of goals for that community, it increases the connections they have with one another. Creating stronger bonds between community members adds to the value of your association.
- Offer additional resources, services, etc. – Perhaps the best thing about a volunteer network is that you’ll be bringing in a diverse set of viewpoints and skill sets. Your volunteers will provide you with ideas, resources, and services you might not have thought of and the know-how to make those new offerings available to your members.
The benefits of volunteering
So far, we’ve mostly discussed how a volunteer network benefits the association itself. But creating a volunteer association also provides benefits to those who choose to take part and become a volunteer.
- Establish stronger connections – Volunteers spend a lot of time working with one another. This provides them with an opportunity to establish stronger connections with their fellow association members.
- Learn something new – Not everyone who volunteers for a particular project will be an expert on the topic. However, by working closely with more knowledgeable members, volunteers create an opportunity to learn more about subjects that interest them.
- Access to discounts and perks – As we’ll see later, one of the ways to increase participation in your volunteer network is to offer discounts and perks to those who help out.
- Make a difference – For many people, the act of helping out the community is a reward in itself. The work volunteers do makes things better for the community at large and creates a sense of accomplishment and social responsibility.
Establishing a volunteer program
Now let’s take a look at some of the steps involved in establishing a solid volunteer program. By keeping these things in mind as you develop your volunteer network, you’ll increase the chance of the program being a success.
- Identify what you need – Before you can begin recruiting for a volunteer program, you need to know what you’ll need out of a volunteer. Determine what you want to accomplish with your volunteer program, and then decide on which skillsets will be necessary to make it happen. Create a list that you can easily reference in the next steps.
- Create volunteer role cards – The cards describe the skillsets, requirements, time commitment, and other requirements that will be expected of volunteers. They make a quick and easy way for your members to see if they have skills that can help the effort. These cards can be printed and handed out to anyone interested in volunteering.
- Determine how the plan will be rolled out – There are several steps to rolling out a volunteer network. New volunteers need to be onboarded so they can begin being productive. They must then be trained on the tasks they’ll be performing. Finally, a schedule must be created, so volunteers remain well organized and productive.
- Use an AMS – Association Management Software, like AMO, makes it easy to manage all aspects of your association. Tools like this make it easier to keep track of volunteers and the projects they are participating in. They provide the additional benefit of streamlining workflows for all your other association management tasks as well.
Tips for saying thank you
Volunteers are working for free. The chances that they’ll continue to do so if they don’t feel appreciated are slim. When establishing a volunteer program for your association, it’s important to think about how you’ll show appreciation to those members who take time out of their day to make things better for everyone. Below are some common ways associations say thank you to their volunteers.
- Shout-outs on social media – People like getting credit for the hard work that they’ve done. Shouting out volunteers who aided on a project when you make your social media posts about it can go a long way to making them feel like more than a number or a free pair of hands.
- Volunteer recognitions at events – Association events are a way to bring your membership together. This makes a perfect time to take the opportunity to offer formal recognition of your volunteers and the efforts that put forth for your members.
- Give volunteers a special perk at events – In addition to formal recognition, volunteers may get special benefits at your events. This could include a private Q&A with an interesting speaker, priority seating at the event, discounts on admission, and more.
- Create a volunteer of the year award – A volunteer of the year award takes the idea of volunteer recognition one step further. Not only will it show your volunteers that you care about them, but will motivate them to always provide their very best when they are working on your projects.
Conclusion
AMO is an all-in-one platform for managing membership communities and professional associations. The software handles everything from managing databases to event management and payment processing. The online community feature of the platform will help all members of your community come together and form closer bonds but will be particularly useful to coordinate work between volunteers so that everyone is always on the same page.
To learn more about the AMO platform and how it can help your association, contact us today. We’ll be able to set you up with a free trial, a demo of the features, or a custom quote.