10 more insights

Wendy Moore is a Volunteer Coordinator in Brisbane, Australia. She has a background in many fields including IT, administration, sales and marketing.

1.In 20 words or less describe/define Volunteer Management

Volunteer Management involves the creative, development of programs which utilize the skills of volunteers to meet a community need.

2.What are the 3 main differences between Volunteer Management and Human Resource Management?

Managing volunteers is different from managing paid staff because their motivation is different. Volunteer Managers need to have
•Flexibility to include into programs, volunteers with differing levels of commitment.
•Adaptability to change within a dynamic and unpredictable environment.
•Emotional energy to support and encourage volunteers.

3.Where is the current leadership evident in Volunteer Management?

There are leaders of Volunteer Management around the globe who share their knowledge and insights on websites, blogs and forums. There are others who have yet to find their voice. Perhaps fear is holding them back; fear of “the tall poppy syndrome”, fear of change or fear of criticism.

4.Finish this sentence in less than 50 words… An association in Volunteer Management should…
advocate for volunteer management by promoting, educating and lobbying governments, organisations and communities. They should seek out opportunities to promote volunteer management and forge relationships with organisations which could build and support volunteer management. They need to be fiscally responsible in achieving these objectives.

5.There have been many debates on the definition of volunteering itself. How would you define volunteering?

Volunteering is an individual’s choice to freely give their time and skills, without expectation of reward, to meet a community need.

6.If you weren’t doing this what other profession would you have been interested in?

Perhaps something creative like Marketing, Promotions, Visual Merchandising or Event Management.

7.Who do you believe has been the most inspiring volunteer in history?

Fred Hollows:- for seeing a need and setting up a program to train others to continue with his work to bring sight to people, in poor communities, who would otherwise remain blind.

8.Where do you think social media can take volunteerism and Volunteer Management?

“…..to boldly go where no one has gone before.”
Social media can take volunteerism and Volunteer Management to anywhere around the globe where there is internet connection. It provides a communication pathway which is unprecedented. Social media is only the conduit providing the communication. The message we wish to communicate is up to us.

9.Does Government get volunteering? If not why not?

No. While governments recognise volunteer contribution, it is important for governments to go beyond that, by understanding that volunteering doesn’t just happen. Volunteering requires good management and coordination of resources so that volunteers are utilized appropriately.

10.What would you like to achieve personally in the volunteerism world?

I would like to educate people about the role that volunteer management plays in valuing, supporting, coordinating and appreciating the contribution of volunteers.