Volunteers
Jun
25
2009
25
2009
Operating Parks and Recreation programs without volunteers would be next to impossible. Currently I utilize 10-200 volunteers on a project but quickly discover that they are very difficult to retain. With a population of 800,000 there are always volunteers available but once you train a group in a specific task it would be nice to retain them for a future program. Anyone have great success in retention? I have several groups that take great ownership in volunteering but they like to stay in the same area doing the same task repeatedly, not willing to branch out. Any ideas?
re: Volunteers
I have solved that issue by starting an actual volunteer leadership group. In addition to offering support to programs and projects, we train our volunteers as trainers and leaders. As part of the group, the kids know they will be sharing responsibilities, trading positions and recruiting and training their peer volunteers. There is more work on the "front end" for us, but I retain a solid 15-30 volunteers each year. In addition, the volunteers learn planing and facilitation skills.
Mark Duncanson
Sr. Recreation Program Specialist
City of Pleasanton Parks & Community Services