The last word . . .

From the National Survey:

  • One third of those who did not volunteer say they would do so if they were asked.
  • 44% of volunteer activities began as a result of being approached by someone in an organization.

Activity

Referring to the chart you completed in Module 1, can you identify any volunteer tasks that would be suitable for any of the four types of volunteers listed above? Try to think of the various skill sets that each group could bring and match them to the skill sets required to perform each task.

Tools: Window of Work

Ivan Scheier developed a concept called Window of Work9 that could be included with the application for new volunteers. This tool can help identify individuals with particular skills, knowledge and connections.

Example:

  Window of Work Name: John Doe
Glad Gifts Quests No-No's
Special skills, talents interests you like to use Areas you would like to learn more about Please don't ask!
  • computer skills
  • talking to people
  • reading
  • writing
  • crafts and sewing
  • cooking
  • chairing a committee
  • how organizations run
  • organizing something
  • canvassing for funds
  • selling tickets
  • bookkeeping
Things you do well and enjoy doing. Don't hesitate to list something, you?d be surprised how our talents can be utilized. List areas of interest you may not have the skills to perform but you would enjoy learning about. Anything you really don't want to do

Female Nurse

Remember - you will not always find the perfect volunteer for your job but additional training is possible. Be flexible and try to select the best person for the job.

Don't forget to have your members occasionally update this valuable information. Skills and interests change. Your program also changes. To keep people involved and motivated their experiences may have to be adapted.

 
Blue line
9 Adapted from Ivan Scheier, Yellowfire Press, Colorado, 1986 as described in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Factsheet Recruiting Volunteers. This factsheet can be viewed at http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/rural/facts/96-001.htm
For more on Ivan Scheier and the possibilities for creativity and service through volunteering, see Guerrilla Goodness: An Interview with "Dreamcatcher" Ivan Scheier by Ed and Gay-Wynn Cooper at http://www.sdearthtimes.com/et0796/et0796s4.html


Previous Table of Contents Next