Most Volunteers are savy!

Came across an article in Pro Bono News recently

http://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2010/09/perfect-match-what-savvy-professional-volunteers-want


Here is a little extract

Perfect Match: What Savvy Professional Volunteers Want

Posted: Wednesday, September 1, 2010 - 13:36

The benefits of volunteering professional skills are significant for both the volunteer and the community organisation when managed successfully, according to an Australian coaching expert.

Corrinne Armour, who runs a program providing corporate sector leaders with the tools to volunteer their professional skills to the community sector, says most Not for Profits think people want to volunteer their professional skills for a cause they are passionate about, and many do!

Armour says the typical advice given to professionals considering pro-bono activity is "find something closely aligned with your passion that inspires you”.

However, she says, experience from assisting corporate sector leaders who want to volunteer suggests that there are other considerations which are just as important.

Amour says there are several other factors that savvy volunteers consider in choosing where to volunteer their professional skills.

She says 'Organisational Readiness' is perhaps the most important factor a professional volunteer will evaluate in deciding whether an organisation is ready to receive them and capitalise on the skills they offer.
Potential volunteers will look at:

•How well defined is the assignment with clear objectives, timeframe and deliverables?
•What priority does the assignment have?
•Who will champion it within the organisation?
•What support is available?
•How does this assignment build on the organisation’s mission, vision, strategy and current program?

All well and good I say. BUT

And there’s always a but with me isn’t there?
I think this article would have been just fine applying to volunteers in general.

Because I do believe that these days many volunteers will look at

•How well defined is the assignment with clear objectives, timeframe and deliverables?
•What priority does the assignment have?
•Who will champion it within the organisation?
•What support is available?

You know what I’m saying here people? Look, I get where the author is coming from but why articulate this for so called “professional volunteers” only. It’s as if all other volunteers will volunteer for organisations without these concepts applying also.

Perfect Match: What Savvy Volunteers Want
Also applies!