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Understanding a Volunteer Program
- essentials for success
Creating a balance
The aim for any program involving volunteers is to create a
win-win situation. The needs and
expectations of the person volunteering need to be considered alongside the
needs and constraints of the organisation.
Reasons people volunteer:
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Enjoy being with people – may be isolated,
lonely, looking for something to do |
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To use existing skills, to feel useful; |
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To connect with their community; |
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To gain life skills - confidence,
communication; |
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To gain skills for work - customer service,
office, computers, working in a team. |
Reasons we have volunteers
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To assistance the organisation where
needed; |
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To utilise people's skills; |
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To provide a service to the community. |
What we need from volunteers
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Reliability; |
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Confidentiality; |
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To be a valuable team member; |
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For them not be become overcommitted. |
What volunteers need
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A worthwhile, clearly defined role; |
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Enjoyment in what they are doing; |
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The information needed to do their job; |
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Opportunities for training (initial and
on-going); |
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To be valued, respected; |
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To have their voice heard; |
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Recognition. |
Go to next section:
Induction - the initial session or meeting
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