Why Recruiting Volunteers Is Getting Harder | With guest Karen Knight, a volunteer management strategist who discusses the intersection of emergencies and volunteers with host Tim Conrad

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In this conversation, Tim Conrad and Karen Knight discuss the challenges and strategies in managing volunteers, especially during emergencies. They explore the importance of understanding volunteer motivations, maintaining their well-being, leveraging their skills, and the benefits of role rotation. The discussion emphasizes building relationships with volunteers, streamlining training processes, and recognizing the impact of lived experiences. They also highlight the mental health benefits of volunteering and the potential for career development through volunteer work. Effective communication and appreciation for volunteers are key themes throughout the conversation.

Takeaways

• People are still interested in volunteering, but in different ways.
• Leaders must monitor volunteer well-being to prevent burnout.
• Understanding volunteer skills can enhance organizational impact.
• Role rotation keeps volunteers engaged and brings fresh perspectives.
• Building relationships with volunteers fosters better communication.
• Streamlining training encourages more volunteers to participate.
• Lived experiences of volunteers can improve service delivery.
• Encouraging organized efforts prevents chaos during emergencies.
• Recognizing volunteers boosts morale and retention.
• Volunteering has significant mental health benefits.

Chapters

00:00 Challenges in Volunteer Management
02:49 Volunteer Fatigue and Burnout
05:29 Building Relationships with Volunteers
08:12 Effective Role Management
10:58 The Importance of Role Rotation
13:39 Lived Experience in Volunteerism
16:23 Encouraging Teamwork Over Solo Acts
20:48 Streamlining Volunteer Engagement
23:09 The Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering
25:58 Personal Stories of Volunteering
28:07 Volunteering as a Career Path
30:48 Effective Communication with Volunteers
34:10 Recognizing Volunteer Contributions
39:43 Resources for Crisis and Volunteer Management

Links mentioned by Karen:

How to lead in a crisis by Amy C. Edmondson https://www.ted.com/dubbing/amy_c_edmondson_how_to_lead_in_a_crisis?audio=en&language=en

From the Top Down: The Executive Role in Successful Volunteer Involvement by Susan J. Ellis. https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=3a7bfe1ca1db5972&rlz=1C1UEAD_enCA1088CA1088&sxsrf=ANbL-n7kzzo02qSejZIDsm3UMaopRHkW-A:1769145490970&q=From+the+Top+Down:+The+Executive+Role+in+Successful+Volunteer+Involvement&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAABXHvQrCMBAA4EEEKU6OToejy0VBhMxa6KrF3YazLU3uSv5sX8cnVbfvWy02BTpUpzzNqt2tscXDsRmVyua83w5GYyMy4DPFTrz-O4CwnT_LqvTiIHYEtYxwkTdrqH-7TmRS7DPBTSxBz3BPxlAIr2ThITZxJPJQcRabyRHHLwhibQ2EAAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi1ja7E9KCSAxWsGTQIHSFiNKgQ9OUBegQIHBAF&biw=1920&bih=911&dpr=1&aic=0

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