How to increase volunteerism?

[sirona7]

If you tend to volunteer, why do you do it? Are there certain circumstances where you will and will not volunteer? How can the community make you more interested in giving your time and energy?

Greetings all and thanks for the thread. Delurking briefly to give one fencing parent volunteer's perspective to the question of why and under what circumstances I give my time.

The circumstances in which I first volunteered have already been mentioned upstream but can be summarized as a parent-organizer at our club, who had already been warm and welcoming, asked me to volunteer for a specific event.

She provided a list of tasks that included such a variety of options and levels of involvement, from making donations to working the event, that there was something for nearly everyone.

Further, she allowed ample time to decide what, if anything, I wanted to do and followed up with clear communication throughout the process, before, during, and after the event.

That critical first experience was ultimately positive, even though I worked a task that wasn't a good fit, in large part because of the efforts of this gifted parent-organizer.

What made it certain I would work another event was that she said thank you to each and every volunteer during the event and followed up with an email thanks and wrap up of what we have achieved together. She concluded that email with a short description of the upcoming opportunities to be involved throughout the fencing season and assured us that she would love our feedback and was there to answer any question or concern we might have.

Years later, and trite as it may be, I continue to work fencing events to feel a part of a team of people who provide an essential and much appreciated service to both club, fencers, and the community.

[KD5MDK]

What do you do with volunteers who try very hard to help but are incompetent?

[Phincer]

What do you do with volunteers who try very hard to help but are incompetent?

Concession stand.... a perfect place for those who want to be involved, but can't spend a whole day. For those that want to socialize instead of focus on the running of the competition, it's a great place to be. And be patient with the 'incompetent' people, they are learning just as we all had to. Work them in slowly (time-keeping, score-keeping) so they can learn the rules and the game, and when they're ready move them up to the BC.

[KD5MDK]

You've obviously not familiar with the levels of incompetence I am.

[jeff]

They're too dumb to pour coffee and make change? Maybe send them to a different sport where they'll fit in better...

If you don't have permanent strips at the venue, then maybe at least have them yank up strip tape and carry machines back to their boxes? Scotch-tape pool results to the wall?

[epeeforlife]

You've obviously not familiar with the levels of incompetence I am.

Maybe you could use them as lunge boards. Give them a mask and a jacket and tell them to stand over there. Then line up your fencers and give them turns.

[KD5MDK]

They're too dumb to pour coffee and make change? Maybe send them to a different sport where they'll fit in better...

If you don't have permanent strips at the venue, then maybe at least have them yank up strip tape and carry machines back to their boxes? Scotch-tape pool results to the wall?

I was referring more to the "move them on to the BC later". I agree concessions is a basic task that most everyone could accomplish (unless they have an uncontrollable tendency to wander away and leave the cash unattended).

[hpfencing]

Maybe you could use them as lunge boards. Give them a mask and a jacket and tell them to stand over there. Then line up your fencers and give them turns.

If they wanted to suit up they would not be volunteers now would they....

Concessions, Registration, runners, referee caretakers (food adn such), scorekeepers (if you train them), and what not are ways to use them at tournaments.

Club Greeters, phone calls and other communications and what not are othe rgood ways to use them in the club but making them a pin cushion.....

[introspective]

I can't think of a better way than to start treating each other better.
I also don't like the idea of paying 'volunteers' - it's an oxymoran. Our entire country has become cheap and lacks value as well as obese. A person should be able to give back to their community without expecting a monetary reward. There is something missing in the sport.

[epeeforlife]

If they wanted to suit up they would not be volunteers now would they....

Concessions, Registration, runners, referee caretakers (food adn such), scorekeepers (if you train them), and what not are ways to use them at tournaments.

Club Greeters, phone calls and other communications and what not are othe rgood ways to use them in the club but making them a pin cushion.....

Maybe you didn't read the previous responses. I will refresh your memory.

What do you do with volunteers who try very hard to help but are incompetent?

Concession stand.... a perfect place for those who want to be involved, but can't spend a whole day. For those that want to socialize instead of focus on the running of the competition, it's a great place to be. And be patient with the 'incompetent' people, they are learning just as we all had to. Work them in slowly (time-keeping, score-keeping) so they can learn the rules and the game, and when they're ready move them up to the BC.

You've obviously not familiar with the levels of incompetence I am.

Given the line of responses, I think my suggestion is quite reasonable.

[hpfencing]

lol I see, I didn't catch that part but really make fencing dummys out of them... Naw just have them run water to the referees or something, lol