Each January, organizations across the country experience a surge in volunteer interest tied to Martin Luther King Jr. Day and other national and community service days. These events bring energy, visibility, and meaningful impact. They also introduce operational pressure when large numbers of volunteers arrive for a single day. For nonprofit leaders, the challenge is […]
Winter weather brings a familiar set of challenges for nonprofit organizations that rely on volunteers. Ice, snow, wet floors, and reduced daylight can quickly turn routine volunteer activities into injury risks. Slips and falls remain one of the most common causes of volunteer injuries, particularly during the winter months. Addressing those risks before volunteers arrive […]
January often brings a fresh wave of volunteers. New programs launch, seasonal initiatives resume, and organizations welcome people who are eager to help. That momentum is valuable, but it also increases exposure to risk if onboarding and training are rushed or inconsistent. At the start of the year, thoughtful onboarding is one of the most […]
In recent editions of the Volunteer Management Progress Report, many volunteer management professionals have said they are not able to devote as much time and energy to volunteer engagement as they would like, for two primary (and related) reasons: 1) they have other responsibilities at the organization; and 2) they often don’t have as much […]
If there is one time of year when people hurry more than usual, it is now, with holidays approaching. So much to do, and so little time to do it. That squeeze can translate into traffic accidents, unless we keep defensive-driving principles in mind every time we put that vehicle into gear. What follows is […]
Are all your staff and volunteers willing to report a physical hazard or liability risk exposure in the organization? Just because you would do it, don’t assume others would. The Washington, D. C. Metro system commissioned a survey of its employees’ attitudes toward safety, following a Red Line series of accidents. The results indicated that […]
Volunteers can be the eyes and ears of an organization. By giving time and skills, they are personally invested, and their feedback is critical to the organization’s success. Sometimes, that feedback might come in a form that is more emotionally charged than a volunteer manager would prefer. Here are some tips to support you in […]
