Volunteer management volunteer recruitment volunteer recognition
In the previous blog post I asked you to guess how long it takes for a new volunteer to form an impression of you and your group or organization?
Thanks to all those who added their comments in that post – great work everyone!
The answers ranged from a few seconds through to 20 minutes or more. Now results can differ in different situations as people pointed out.
But Barb Putamorsi was ‘spot on’. You go Barb!
It takes 4 minutes to go beyond a first impression to form a lasting impression. Just 4 minutes and this impression can take a long time to change.
AN IMPORTANT VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT QUESTION – WHAT’S YOUR ANSWER?
So here’s another question for you.
When a new volunteer joins your group or organization – how are they made to feel welcome in the FIRST 4 MINUTES?
SHARE YOUR COMMENTS ON VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT WELCOMES
I’d really like to read your thoughts and have you share your ideas with others. So click on the word ‘comment’ at the end of this post and add your thoughts.
VOLUNTEER QUOTE FOR YOU
The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just – Abraham Lincoln
From the book Beyond Just Words: 502 Inspirational Quotes for Those Who Serve
Cheers
JUDY
Dr Judy Esmond
P.S. There’s also great first impression ideas in the best selling books on recruiting, retaining and recognizing volunteers. Click on the link and take a look. You won’t be disappointed!
Here’s the question again…
When a new volunteer joins your group or organization – how are they made to feel welcome in the FIRST 4 MINUTES?
I’d really like to hear your thoughts and ideas.
Cheers
JUDY
Hello:
It is always good to give them a quick “cook’s tour” of the organization while introducing them to employees and volunteers along the way. Also, offering them a cup of coffee always goes a long way. The main thing is be like a “family” to the new volunteer, that always makes them feel a part of the group.
The high ideal in any relationships is unselfish love.That not always being possible we go for the next best thing – GENUINELY LIKING SOMEONE.
The new volunteer must be made to feel aware that these people really like him or her. (As opposed to am I here because they need me to make up their numbers?
DO I LIKE THEM? (I more than likely will like them if the former criteria is the case)
How is this feeling of mutual liking achieved in these first few minutes?
We use ALL our faculties.Our facial expression and accompanying body language must show genuine pleasure in greeting the new chum.The welcoming smile …the step forward …the proffered right hand held out in frienship…the left hand overlaying theirs in endorsement of that gesture …if an aquaintance or a friend and it will not embarrass them then a friendly hug …the accompanying spoken words that speak of your delight at seeing and receiving them into the organisation …
Remember,all such behaviour is the external evidence of an inward condition.If I don’t genuinely feel these things then it’s all a charade and my new volunteer will soon pick up on it.
But if it’s genuine then I have them and whilst I maintain that genuine concern for them I will keep them for ever and a day.
Tim Hargreaves – Box 50,Shark Bay P.O.,WA.
Sometime Gospel preacher, Councillor,author of Dolphin Bay (Yarns and other madness from Australia’s remote North West) and over 40 years a founding member of any number of volunteer organisations such as Fire Brigade,Youth Associations,Chamber of Commerce,Ambulance Service,Tourist Associations etc.
Hi Judy,
Thanks for this great bit of wisdom – I’ll value the first four minutes with volunteers even more now.
Regards,
Janene
Vision Australia
Hi Judy,
I guess when people ring me regarding the program I try to give them as much information as possible within approx 5 minutes.
The main information that I try to get across to any new or potential volunteers is that we try to make it as enjoyable as possible and it’s really about Council engaging the community to “help save our bushland” and that it is all about enjoying themselves and working with like minded people who care about our natural asset’s and how Council always endeavours to support the program and it’s volunteers.
Hope this helps
Have a great day
Cheers
Peter May
Natural Area Supervisor – Communities
Logan City Council
Hi Judy,
Every one I meet I make feel welcome, because you never know if they will be your next Volunteer in the future. They just don’t know it themselves just yet.
If a person feels valued and accepted immediately the long term reward is there.
Many Thanks for your tips
Marg Featherstone