Volunteer Programs Discussed at NAMC Workshop

By Natalia Molina, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Sue Parris, NAMC

Nearly 1000 non-profits are registered in Monterey County, ranging in size, scope, and area of service, according to Guidestar, one of the premiere websites that gathers and disseminates information about IRS-registered nonprofit organizations. 

Many, if not all, Monterey County non-profits are fueled and ignited by the spirit and passion of volunteers who help to support their missions.  Knowing how to recruit, reward, retain, and redirect volunteers is critical to sustaining a thriving volunteer program.

Non-Profit Alliance of Monterey County (NAMC) is committed to increase the capacity and collective power of the nonprofit industry for the benefit of all people in Monterey County.

So, to explore best practices in working with volunteers,  NAMC hosted a sold-out workshop on Feb. 29, "How to Have a Thriving Volunteer Program," at Harden Foundation in Salinas.

The program featured three panelists who work regularly with volunteers from the Monterey County Health Department, Restorative Justice Program, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Here are some key take-aways from the panel presentation:

Recruitment Ideas:

Post what you're doing with volunteers on social media.
Host a meet and greet for volunteers with "invite a friend."

Recognition on a shoestring:
Invite volunteers to other events, e.g., fundraisers, public meetings and presentations;
When giving speeches, always acknowledge how much volunteers contribute to your organization.

How to engage Latino volunteers:

Latinos are more likely to engage as a family.  Accommodations should be made to engage or care for children and/or elderly family members.

Translate and interpret materials accurately and well.

Overall:  Get together with staff to develop an agency-wide plan on how to better develop volunteers.

The selection of panel discussion topics was driven by the results of a survey that was sent weeks earlier to NAMC members.  Survey results indicated that the recruitment and retention of volunteers, recognition ideas for volunteers, and how to attract Hispanic/Latino volunteers were top choices.

During the workshop, the panelists offered lessons learned and best practices from their personal experiences, and a robust question and answer followed.    

“It was so exciting to have all of these volunteer professionals together in one room, said Sue Parris, NAMC Project Coordinator.  "Nonprofits know so well that we couldn’t do what we do without volunteers. I’m looking forward to more discussion like this so we can continue to build top-notch volunteer programs in our community.”

At the conclusion, nearly 20 participants expressed further interest in creating a Volunteer Manager Network, and NAMC plans to explore this idea.
If you have ideas on other topics you would like to see if future workshops, please contact sue@alliancemonterey.org.

Packed House Gathers for Community Engagement Training

 Non-profit representatives from all over Monterey County eagerly gathered last month to learn about organizing and engagement for each of their respective communities.

Individuals representing the Arts, Social Services, Environment, Education, Literacy, Housing, and others assembled to hear Tim McManus, the Lead Organizer for Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action (COPA) speak to “aligning interests for maximum benefit.” COPA does broad-based organizing.

Tim touched on the mission of COPA to develop the leadership skills of ordinary people to engage effectively in public life.

The engagement training, sponsored by the Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County Advocacy Committee, provided some of the tools individuals would need to negotiate with public and private sector leaders.

These conversations can lead to changes in the economic, social, political and cultural pressures on their organizations and families served.

Tim differentiated between public and private relationships and how we can look at both ourselves and those with whom we want to engage.

It is important in any conversation that we remember the folks with whom we want to work also have influences in their lives – when we know those influences, we can find common ground and make a positive impact on our community.

Tim outlined the five key questions that each meeting must address to be successful. And while these conversations can take time and involve face-to-face interaction, the return on our investment can be invaluable to you as an individual and to your organization and those whom you serve!

Due to the success of this workshop and the long waitlist, NAMC will be schedule another session of this training in the future.

 --Tom Conway, Easter Seals of Central California NAMC Advocacy Committee