Volunteering Challenges: Volunteering Handbook Ch8

Chapter 8: Volunteering Challenges

From: The Practical Volunteering Handbook for School and Club Volunteers

Volunteering is a rewarding experience that offers numerous benefits to individuals and communities. However, it comes with its own set of challenges that can hinder the ability to attract and retain volunteers. Addressing these challenges effectively can help create a positive environment for volunteers and ensure the sustainability of volunteer efforts. This chapter will explore common challenges in volunteering and provide strategies to overcome them.

Common Challenge 1 -‘I’m Too Busy’

Many potential volunteers cite a lack of time as the main reason for not getting involved. Here are ways to address this issue:

• Micro-tasks and Flexibility: Offer small, manageable tasks that can be completed in a short amount of time. Assure busy individuals that their contribution, even if small, is valuable. Avoid overburdening them and provide tasks that can be done remotely or at their convenience. Use online volunteer rostering platforms for easy management.
• Building Trust: Ensure volunteers that you respect their time. If you ask for one hour of their time, make sure you mean it. Honouring your commitments builds trust and makes them more likely to help again in the future.
• Alternative Support: If they truly cannot volunteer time, ask if they have other ways to support the organisation, such as through donations, sponsorships, or leveraging their network for more volunteers.
• Provide Practical Support: Create a play area for toddlers supervised by volunteers. This allows parents to contribute without worrying about their children.

Common Challenge 2 - It’s the Same Volunteers Every Time

Fundraising fatigue occurs when volunteers and the community feel overwhelmed by constant fundraising activities. Here’s some ideas on how to avoid it:

• Focus on Major Events: Focus on high-impact fundraising events that require minimal time commitment from volunteers. Promise the community that participating in one major event is sufficient, and stick to it. This approach maximises returns and keeps volunteers engaged and enthusiastic.
• Clear Communication: Inform your community about the planned fundraising events at the beginning of the year. Clearly communicate the importance of each event and how their participation makes a significant impact.
• Diversify Your Volunteer Base: Apart from the core group of 'Natural Born Givers,' identify others who can be engaged:
  • Those willing to help if their skills are needed.
  • Those who will help if personally asked.
  • Those with little interest in helping.
• Specific Requests: Be clear and specific about the tasks and time commitment needed. Personal invitations work better than general calls for help.
• Keep it Social: Combine volunteering with social activities to make it more appealing. For example, organising a coffee order during a task or holding a brainstorming session with wine and chocolate.
• Micro-volunteering: Offer small, manageable tasks that can be done

Common Challenge 3 - When Leadership Becomes Toxic

Leaders play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy volunteer culture. However, toxic leadership can cause significant damage. 

Recognising Toxic Leadership

• Signs: Toxic leaders exploit, devalue, and demean their team. They are often unreceptive to new ideas and feedback.
• Impact: Toxic leadership can discourage new volunteers and create a divisive environment.

Addressing the Issue

• Honesty and Respect: Address issues directly and constructively. Show that your intent is to achieve the organisation’s mission and not to discredit the leader.
• Shared Goals: Emphasise the common goal of the organisation and the importance of working together to achieve it.
• Constructive Feedback: Provide feedback in a respectful manner, acknowledging the leader’s achievements and commitment.

Promoting Healthy Leadership

• Training and Development: Provide leadership training and resources to improve management skills.
• Strategic Planning: Develop a clear strategy to align everyone with the organisation’s mission.

Common Challenge 4 - Conflict in Your Committee

Conflict is inevitable but can be managed constructively. Here’s how:

Conflict Management

• Appoint a Leader for Each Agenda Item: This person can coordinate discussions and resolve deadlocks.
• Circulate an Agenda: Provide clear guidelines for discussions and decision-making. Set ground rules to avoid conflict.
• Keep Criticism Professional: Use positive comments to frame criticism and keep discussions constructive.
• Consensus Building: Find common ground to move forward positively.
• Remove the Heat: If tensions rise, table the topic for future discussion.

Fostering a Friendly Committee

• Chit-Chat: Allow time for informal conversations to build goodwill and make the committee more cohesive.
• Inclusive Practices: Ensure that new members feel welcome and valued.

Common Challenge 5: ‘Cliques’ and/or the Perception of Cliques

Cliques can create a perception of exclusivity and discourage new volunteers. Here’s how to address it:

Embracing the New

• Welcoming New Ideas: Encourage new volunteers to bring fresh perspectives. Create a positive environment where all ideas are heard.
• Supporting Fresh Volunteers: Provide guidance and support to new volunteers, ensuring they feel valued and involved.

Encouraging Creativity

• Safe Environment: Create a safe space for sharing ideas without fear of rejection.
• Learning from Mistakes: Encourage experimentation and learn from unsuccessful attempts.

Finally, Respect Boundaries

• Prioritising Well-being: Encourage volunteers to prioritise their well-being and avoid overcommitting.
• It’s OK to Sometimes Say No: Respect their limits and appreciate any contribution they can make, however small. This approach fosters a positive relationship and makes them more likely to help when they can.

Conclusion

Volunteering comes with challenges, but with the right strategies, these can be effectively managed. Addressing common objections, avoiding fundraising and volunteer fatigue, managing conflicts, and fostering a healthy culture are key to sustaining a committed and enthusiastic volunteer base. By creating an inclusive and supportive environment, you can overcome these challenges and ensure the ongoing success of your organisation.