Inspiring the volunteers

Why do organizations of volunteers even exist?

Think about it:  Your time is tremendously valuable; you want to make sure that you get fairly paid for ALL the work you do; you’re worried when it looks like work is unfairly taking over your personal life.  Yet, here you are, just giving away all this valuable time, with no hope of ever being paid for it.

What’s up with that?

Obviously, what’s going on is that you’re getting rewarded in other ways:

• Making a difference to a cause you believe is important
• Being recognized by others as a valuable person
• Learning new things
• Having fun

So far, this is all pretty obvious.  But now, let’s supposing that you’re leading a group of volunteers.  I doubt that you have any way to reward them monetarily.  Perhaps you can bring cookies occasionally, which you probably fund out of your own pocket.

That’s OK, because people aren’t expecting money in return for their involvement.  Sometimes, payment might even be a negative because it would diminish the reason why your people are passionate about your group.  Instead, they’re looking for intangible benefits such as those listed above.

Here’s a key thought: Each person may be involved in your group for a different reason.  So if you want them to continue to contribute, you need to address those individual needs.  Make sure that the person who wants to have fun indeed does have fun.  Make sure there’s new challenges for the learners in your group.  Articulate a broader vision for those who need to feel the larger contribution to the community.

Finally:  Don’t pigeon-hole people into just one simple category.  Just as it’s not women vs. Hispanics vs. older participants, each person will bring their own unique gifts and needs to your group.  And they may shift over time.

Stay in touch.

Stay attentive.

Be thoughtful.