Volunteers are often balancing work, family, and even multiple volunteer commitments – they are making choices about how they spend their time.  A volunteer’s decision to stay — and be highly engaged and committed — is based on much more than loving what they do. Here’s what they would say . .

 What Matters To Me .  .  .

• I Serve With Great People
• Roles & Responsibilities Are Defined, It’s Clear Who I Go To For What
• I Understand What Is Expected Of Me
• If There Is An Issue Concerning Me – It’s Addressed Promptly And Directly

I Feel Valued When .  .  .  

• My Time is Respected And Well Spent
• I Have the Tools & Resources To Perform My Role
• I Am Kept Informed – I Know What Is Happening And Why
• My Efforts Are Acknowledged And Appreciated
• I Can Make Suggestions And Raise Issues
• My Leadership is Accessible And Responsive
• My Capabilities and Interests Are Understood
• I Am Given Opportunities To Grow Should I Desire To Do So
• My Leadership Recognizes The Demands And Challenges of My Role

What matters to volunteers is not very different than what matters to employees – but the game changer is there is no compensation to compel them to stay.  Make retention a priority in your volunteer strategy.

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