Volunteer / Paid Staff Relations (Getting Things Done)

This began as an interesting session at the Getting Things Done conference last week, considering we as VISTAs are volunteers and the presenter designed the material for paid staff as the audience. As permanent positions at organizations VISTAs are typically closer to the paid staff end of the spectrum, but sometimes VISTAs get the brunt of volunteer mis-treatment as we are part of the organization for one year and some staff may not see us as truly part of the organization. Either way, for both short term volunteers or a paid staff that manages volunteers, here are a couple facts/tips to help relations:

1. In order to retain volunteers don't "use" them; include/involved them.
2. Both the volunteer and supervisor should be involved in the position description.
3. Volunteers are not free.
4. A volunteer can be fired/terminated.
5. Volunteers tend to go outside the chain of command when they feel unprepared or unappreciated.
6. The reason an organization decides to involve volunteers is usually lack of funding.
7. In many countries the word volunteer mean "Women's work." (Think about semantics, is there a difference between volunteering and community service?)
8. Measuring the effectiveness of a volunteer program should include measuring the outcomes of the volunteers activities as well as that of the paid staff. (outcomes is key here, not simply output).
9. For success in working with a volunteer, consider their interests and skills.
10. Always thank a volunteer numerous times during service (this could even be things like having places to put coats or other accommodations).

I volunteer for an organization that from my understanding mainly functions with volunteers. They do a fantastic job in expressing their gratitude and making me feel like a crucial part of the operations, which leads to me spending more time and effort on my work for them.

Does anyone have other tips or things to keep in mind when using volunteers to help your organization function?

All tips above were developed by Sarah Ellison of Elliston Enterprises in Cincinnati.