Ethics in Volunteer Management begin with your role

In the realm of nonprofit and community service organisations, volunteers are often hailed as the lifeblood of operations, providing essential services that would otherwise strain budgets or go unmet. However, the management of these volunteers, a critical function that ensures their engagement, satisfaction, and effectiveness, frequently finds itself undervalued and under-resourced. This article delves into the ethical considerations surrounding volunteer management, highlighting the systemic issues that arise when this role is not given the prominence it deserves.

Firstly, it's crucial to acknowledge that many volunteer managers operate in part-time capacities, often juggling multiple responsibilities. This setup is not merely a matter of convenience but reflects a broader misunderstanding of the role's importance. When budget cuts loom, volunteer management is an easy target for reductions because its impact, though significant, isn't always quantifiable in immediate financial terms. This shortsightedness fails to recognise that effective volunteer management is an investment in the organisation's future, enhancing community relations, service delivery, and sustainability.

The core issue lies in the organisational hierarchy and the placement of volunteer managers. If you're responsible for volunteer engagement, you are the specialist in your organisation. Your expertise in understanding the nuances of volunteer motivation, retention, and management is unique. Yet, too often, these specialists find themselves reporting to managers who might not grasp the ethos of volunteer management. This leads to decisions that might prioritise short-term financial savings over long-term volunteer satisfaction and retention.

Here's where ethics come into play: if an organisation does not value volunteer management, it implicitly devalues volunteering itself. Volunteer managers are not just coordinators; they are the bridge between the organisation's mission and the community's willingness to contribute. They should be integral members of the senior leadership team, not an afterthought. Their insights are vital for strategic planning, especially in sectors where volunteerism is pivotal.

Professionals in volunteer management must adhere to their values, even if it means confronting uncomfortable truths or making difficult decisions like leaving a role where their worth is not recognised. When your expertise is devalued, it's a sign to seek an environment that respects the true value of volunteering. Organisations that genuinely value volunteerism will seek out and retain professionals who understand and can effectively manage this resource.

The ethical imperative for volunteer managers is clear: advocate for your role, educate your peers and superiors about the importance of volunteer management, and if necessary, move to an organisation that aligns with your professional values. This might seem drastic, but it's a stand for the integrity of volunteerism. Organisations that are serious about volunteering will recognise the importance of having a dedicated, knowledgeable, and empowered volunteer manager. They will understand that investing in this role is not just good ethics but good business.

In conclusion, the ethics of volunteer management demand recognition, respect, and strategic placement within organisations. Volunteer managers are not just facilitators; they are guardians of an organisation's commitment to its community. It's time for a shift in how we perceive and integrate this role into the fabric of organisational leadership, ensuring that volunteerism is not just utilised but celebrated and managed with the professionalism it deserves.

Volunteer management: Some sobering home truths

 

Dear volunteer leader

I have not blogged for some time on Volunteer Management and to be honest I prefer the term Volunteer leadership. Being in a volunteer leadership profession for almost 27 years has taught me some home truths.  What’s a home truth I hear you ask? Well according to one online dictionary it means a true but unpleasant fact about yourself that another person tells you.

Well, this is a blog that tells some home truths. Those of you that have been in a volunteer leadership role may resonate with some of these. If not, that’s OK too.

After 27 years here are some of the issues that really affect our profession. Some you may nod your head in agreement with. Some may not like this post.  Please remember this is an opinion piece. Nothing less and nothing more.

How your government looks at Volunteer Management can have an effect on your role.

You normally see politicians get interested in any National Volunteer week or International Volunteer Day every year. Normally politician’s piggy back on these important date. They will say the right words to show they value volunteering. But let’s be honest. It’s normally done to get media approval. How many times have you hears that “Volunteering is the glue that keeps our community together or engaged” I’ve seen countless politicians with these sentiments expressed. In my experience they are soundbite platitudes. If there is no funding for any National plan on Volunteering then their words on volunteering are meaningless. If Volunteer Management is to be appreciated then action speaks louder than words. And this matters to volunteer leadership in general. If a Government does not recognise the importance of effective volunteer leadership then there is little hope in navigating that value at an organisational level.  Of course. And with everything you read here there may be some exceptions. But here in Australia, the lack of support is evident in our Government budget.

Change of your management or CEO

This is a biggy and I have worked enough years in my field to see what damage this may cause. So there you are. A volunteer manager who should be a specialist in your field. But how often does your manager change. In Volunteer leadership every time there is a change it is most likely that you once again have to state the value of volunteers within your organisation. This can be tiring but unfortunately necessary. So many times, with changes in leadership I have to go back to the basics of volunteering and volunteering ethos. I have had some interesting reporting lines. I have reported to the Marketing manager, the Talent Acquisition Manager and other professions that simply have no clue about volunteering. It’s a constant battle for those in volunteer leadership roles. It’s like “New management – here we go again” We should no longer be at this stage if we are to call ourselves a profession. I know of one organisation that had 3000 volunteers. They got rid of their volunteer management team and gave the responsibility to their TA team. The result? They now have just over 500 volunteers.

When Volunteer numbers is your only KPI

Beware of the manager who only judges your performance about volunteer numbers. They ignore more important metrics such as the volunteer experience, why people are not staying and only care about numbers as the bottom line. While, as volunteer leaders, it is important to grow our volunteer footprint, we know that numbers do not tell the true story of volunteering. Impact does. I often tell the story of two hospitals in the same city. One has 100 volunteers but the other had 500 volunteers. We all should know that the volunteer impact could be greater in the hospital with 100 volunteers. Greater numbers does not equate to greater impact.

Volunteer impact versus volunteer numbers

If you are in the unfortunate position where volunteer numbers is a metric to your role as volunteer leader than impact then you are in trouble. As specialists in our field we should be acutely aware that volunteer impact should be measured rather than volunteer numbers. Every organisation I have worked for I have grown the volunteering footprint. But if your KPI is around number solely then there is not an understanding that every volunteer hour donated is a gift of time to your organisation. Number should never be a measure of your success. The impact of the volunteers you have should be.

Volunteer managers as specialists

Hopefully, when you are appointed in you role your success should be measured holistically. Volunteer retention is a misnomer in our field. As a specialist in your field you know that volunteering is fluid. You know that people come and go in volunteering and you pivot to that fact. You know that the volunteering experience should be a good one, no matter how long a person volunteers for. If you have been hired as a volunteer leader you have to consider yourself as a specialist in the field. Yes you need a strategy but your organisation needs to respect your role as a specialist in the field. Remember that organisations should not hire you to tell you what to do but as a specialist listen to what you have to say. Good organisations do this. But they are rare in my long experience.

You should be on the Senior Leadership Team

Rather than reporting to a manager who has little understanding of volunteering ethos you should be recognised by having a seat on any senior leadership team. If you have experience and knowledge on all matters volunteering you deserve a seat at your organisations Senior Leader table. Rather than taking order from above, which commonly does not understand the nuances of volunteer leadership, you should be involved in senior management positions that respect and acknowledge your experience in volunteering. I can’t verify my original thinking that ‘respect for volunteer management equates to your respect for volunteers” but I have often stated this over the years.

You should be the specialist on volunteering ethics

We all know that volunteering invites our organisations to include our communities in helping or adding value to our mission. But we must also be on guard for organisations that replace staff with volunteers or use volunteers in ways that are detrimental to volunteering. There may be National Standers on volunteering in your country but the basic tests of volunteering should include the fact that volunteering adds value to your workplace without undermining paid positions. A good volunteering ethos does not mean giving volunteers a stipend where volunteers have to rely on this to pay rent. Or any cost of living expenses. By all means try to cover volunteer related expenses but don’t set up a system where volunteers are impacted if they do not get a stipend that may affect their living expensive.  In my opinion doing so equates to slave labour. As a specialist in volunteer leadership it is incumbent on you to negate breaches of volunteering ethos. In some case, unfortunately, it may require leaving your workplace if you feel that the ethos of volunteering is being exploited. Hard yes, but sticking to your values will in the end be a proactive force in your favour and conscience.

Beware of volunteer management consultants or experts

As a “seasoned” volunteer manager who is still on the coalface I see too many people claiming to be experts in the field. I have worked with some of them and all I can say is be “Buyer away”

The high turnover in volunteer management roles can have advantages for some to be honest. If somebody is running courses on volunteer coordination for example then it obviously suits their bottom line if we have new volunteer coordinators every year. Same with “Volunteer Management Consultants”. I can’t even count on one hand consultants who have recent volunteer management experience. I admit that they can “talk the talk” but most are not interested in you “Walking the walk”. I know one consultant who has been saying the same shite for 20 years. The same stories and trapped in a time loop. These are not your allies. Look for people who have had tangible and real results in volunteer management. I’ve been blogging on volunteer management before blogging became hip. I don’t expect you to hire me as a consultant but be wary of those who suddenly class themselves as international experts on volunteer management. I have seen some of their work and I wouldn’t touch them with a large pole. There are a few but I will let you decipher their abilities. Unfortunately in our small field there are some who rise to the top through good promotion on their efforts but in reality are taking the piss when it come to your hard earned professional development funds.

Stand true to your ethics

If you are a true expertise in volunteer management then only work for an organisation that values your advice and input. Please do not work for an organisation that uses volunteers as a means to and end rather than seeing volunteering as a real value add to your organisation. I know it can be hard in our current economic environment but try not to work for an organisation that only values the amount of volunteers you have and belittles you on your experience as a volunteering specialist. You are worth more than that. Our volunteering peak bodies and so called consultants have failed us when you look at Volunteer Management positions advertise in your country.  Most positions are part time and the pay rate for our profession is shockingly absurd. Our peak bodies and so called associations for volunteer management have let us down. Nothing has really changed since my entry to volunteer management in 1997. This needs to be openly discussed.

The real bottom line

Effective volunteering needs effective volunteer management

Nothing will change without those who are willing to advocate for effective volunteer leadership. We need a new story. We need an innovative strategy. Maybe you can be the change. Do not be afraid to speak out? What are your solutions to a sector that is not still seen as a true profession? We have to reset what it means to be a volunteer leadership expert. Because the current experts have us still trapped in the last century.  We, and volunteering need better answers.

 

 

 

MC Abdul - Let It Rain #Gaza

"Rainbow Connection" and Genocide

A song that reminds us of our humanity.

None of you reading really wants war. 

I am a Volunteer Manager shouting that there is Genocide happening in Gaza. 

I am a lone voice in the sector that promotes volunteering for good.

Our profession has been silent.

I know the killings of civilians in October 2023 was against Humanitarian Law.

I also know that the war did not begin on October 7th 

So, to put on the record: I condemn the Genocide in Palestine. 

I am ashamed of the silence. 

If we say there is something for everyone in volunteering – do we really mean it?

 

    

With everything going on around the world right now it can be easy to lose touch with our humanity. If our world leaders are failing to bring peace to our world or take the climate emergency seriously it can be easy to become cynical. We all know that if we spent the trillions on addressing climate change, cost of living crisis, homelessness and poverty instead of on endless wars then we would give hope to our civilisation? But we can do more than hope. We, the people, can demand. Ah yes – but you vote for us they tell you. But I don’t think we ever voted to go to war? I don’t think we voted to not take meaningful action on climate. But we do. We elect the same people and vote for the same parties. Not all of us – I give you that but enough of us. It is 90 seconds to midnight and so many on our planet do not even know what that means. It is worth visiting and having a read on this site Doomsday Clock - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (thebulletin.org)

So what can we do to stay in touch with our humanity? It has to start with you.

We can be kind to ourselves. Do the things that help our own mental health and others. If you are reading this, I hope that deep down you can feel that kindness within yourself for you. Leading volunteers, whatever your title is, plays a significant role in bettering our society in multifaceted ways. I value you for that. I feel value for you if the costs of living crisis are impacting you and volunteers.

Change starts with you and volunteers will change this world. They already have. Don’t think that we can’t sort our problems. We can. But it may not be with the leaders of yesterday and today. It will take a new kind of authentic, mindful and compassionate leadership.

And yes – there can be anger. For we are human. I know my privilege by writing this while sitting on stolen land. And I know that many people can’t volunteer because of costs, having to work so many hours just to make ends meet or can’t because they don’t even have the freedom to do so.

When I’ve worked with volunteer youth advisory groups I keep asking where the young unemployed guy is. Where’s the girl who didn’t get to go to college or any higher education after school? Where’s the young person that left school early or the young homeless person?

If we say there is something for everyone in volunteering – do we really mean it?

 

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Volunteer Friendly Spaces in Kind Workplaces

 

Every person wants to work in a place where they are happy. Many workers stay with organisations based on their happiness and wellbeing at work. This might sound simple enough. But to be happy in life you must remember that you spend much of your life at work for an organisation or person. There have been many shifts in the way people think about work especially since the pandemic struck the world.

I would posit that many people had a shift in how they think. The arrival of COVID, the lockdowns, and major wars that are unfolding bringing us closer to 12 on the Doomsday clock have given rise to people reflecting on what is really important in their lives. This reflection often comes after a shock to the system, and I think this is happening now more than ever.

The Global community is now at our fingertips. And despite all the bad news there is still an arising of kindness and compassion. Thus, people now at work want to be in a place that reflects kindness. Rarely though do you see an ad for a position that says “Come and work in a kind environment.”

Getting the job done is a perquisite. In a kind and caring environment getting the job done leads to ongoing job satisfaction, team spirit and successes celebrated. It never plays a blame game when a mistake is made. Mistakes are lessons to be learnt from. The greatest minds made many mistakes on their journeys. Work comradery, collaboration, authentic leadership and the freedom to question and raise innovative ideas lead to creating psychologically safe spaces to work in. While knowing the positive impact you are making, leads to a safe, kind and welcoming workplace. The old brigade may still say “They are paid to do the job – none of this fuzzy kindness stuff!”

But it does. Show me the person who doesn’t want to work in a safe and kind organisation? Show me those who want to be led by the old brigade?

Peter Drucker stated, “Accept the fact that we have to treat almost anybody as a volunteer.”

On reflecting on this quote Dan Rockwell had to say this on his insightful Blog – Leadership Freak

“If employees were volunteers' leaders they would:

1.       Focus more on people with passion and less on people with talent

2.       Seek agreement on expectations and deliverables

3.       Ask permission to hold people accountable

4.       Express gratitude sincerely

5.       Address tough conversations kindly

6.       Focus on aligning organisational and individual values

7.       Build relationships

8.       Listen

9.       Include

10.   Respect “

I raise these points as I feel that many people have reflected on their time. I’ve had the lived experience of losing those very close to me and also staring face to face with my own mortality through serious illness and accident in a fifteen-month period. This has definitely sharpened my own deep reflection on the importance of time, ensuring that my time is utilised in a way that helps myself and others.  The simple act of helping others can make you feel good to! You are never wasting time by helping others. You are never wasting time in a job that you love, in a role you are passionate about and where you feel empowered, encouraged and guided by those around you.

And I posit that the organisations that live by Drucker’s words have higher staff engagement and wellbeing and lower attrition rates to boot!

In the volunteer world these traits are magnified. This is the world where people give their time, freely, for the common good. The recruitment, retention and recognition tools of volunteer managers need to be highly tuned, through our consistent best practices and blending with emerging trends on the volunteering landscape.

At yet while volunteers are gifting their time, they expect that their time is never wasted, that every minute and hour is making and impact and that they know it. They might tell you they do not do it for the “Thanks” but any volunteer manager worth their salt will know that the gift of their time is a donation that should be cherished and recognised.

Before even recruiting for volunteers, we need to ensure that they are coming into a friendly, open and kind space. Organisations with low staff morale and engagement will struggle to find, let alone keep volunteers. This is why the entire lifecycle of employees, and their satisfaction is crucial to the entire volunteer engagement!  We rarely look at it this way!