The Desire to Serve Is Not Enough...
by Abby Flottemesch, Sunday, Nov 30, 08 |
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Serving, volunteering, helping...whatever term you use, I feel that it is a great way to contribute to a community while also getting to know that community.
For that reason, I actively initiated a volunteer search upon my arrival in Bogota. I wanted the opportunity to contribute to the community beyond my day job. The goal turned out to be more challenging then I anticipated. The reason: while a lot of Colombian organizations are more than willing to accept volunteers, they don't necessarily seek them out nor do they have an established infrastructure to support them.
Thank goodness I found the Bogota YMCA. They have an inspiring commitment to actively utilizing volunteer skills while also developing up and coming leaders!
The contributions and potential investment of volunteers is becoming a key discussion topic these days. Not only can volunteers benefit an organization, the government is seriously looking at the concept of national service. In honor of this topic, here are a few things that I learned in my search for a genuine volunteer experience. These tips are valuable to creating a effective volunteer structure that will have long-lasting results on both the individual and the organization:
- Keep it simple stupid: People don't need fancy. They just need to know the key details (hours, duties, requirements, activities) to make an informed decision. They want to know why you want a volunteer and how they can contribute. Through a website, email, phone conversation, pamphlet, find a direct way to communicate this information.
- Teach, teach them well: Training is important. The initial investment in training and overall organizational presentation will result in a more informed, committed, and engaged volunteer. Engage a volunteer as if he/she is an employee of the organization - challenge them to contribute.
- Create community: While there are many motivations for seeking a volunteer experience, most people will stay because of the people - fellow volunteers, the people they serve, the coordinator of the experience, etc. It is important to create a sense of community with any experience and to help people connect with one another.
Basically, appreciate a volunteer for who they are and utilize those skills to invest in the organizations. The rewards will be endless...I know that I am fully enjoying my volunteer experience at the YMCA and hope that I can also provide some benefit to the organization to return the favor! |
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