This article originally appeared on www.mavanetwork.org and is featured here in partnership with the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement.
Engaging volunteers is vital for enhancing community involvement and fostering a sense of belonging in our cities.
Whether you’re looking to start a new volunteer program or expand an existing one, having the right resources and strategies can make all the difference.
In this blog, the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement has collected valuable advice for cities aiming to effectively engage volunteers, create meaningful experiences, and ultimately strengthen their communities.
MAVA's City Volunteer Engagement Initiative
The Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) conducted a survey of city volunteer programs.
The survey was sent to contacts at 49 cities that were in the MAVA contact list or found online as cities that listed volunteer opportunities, primarily in the metro area of Minnesota.
Responses were received back from 26 cities, including 4 cities from Greater MN and 22 cities in the Twin Cities Metro Area.
Here was their advice to other cities looking to start or expand their volunteer programs:
1. Develop Support
Creating a supportive environment is essential for a successful volunteer program.
When volunteers feel valued, they are more likely to stay engaged and committed to the cause. A strong support system enhances volunteers' experiences and fosters deeper connections within the community.
Below are several insights from city volunteer programs that have successfully navigated this journey:
- “Work WITH the community. Their goals and interests should be considered as the program is created or expanded. Establish good relationships with management early on to promote good feelings about the investment in volunteerism.”
- “Baby steps, don't try to push a volunteer on a supervisor that is resistant. Build on your successes, and always look for new ways to approach departments or supervisors that don't see the benefits of volunteers.”
- “Have a solid plan and get support from the City Council and management.”
2. Design Meaningful Volunteer Roles
Creating meaningful volunteer roles is essential for helping volunteers feel a real connection to their tasks and the program's mission.
When volunteers see how their contributions make a difference, they become more motivated and engaged. This enhances their experience and strengthens the program's impact in the community.
Here are factors to take into account when designing volunteer roles:
- “Develop the use of volunteers as a core strategic function whose resources/talents are focused on purposeful needs.”
- “…Make sure your volunteer opportunities are rewarding for both parties.”
3. Create Volunteer Program Policies and Structures
To create or expand a successful volunteer program, it's crucial to establish clear policies and structures to guide volunteer management.
A well-defined framework streamlines processes and sets expectations for both volunteers and coordinators.
Below are some suggestions when designing your program:
- “Develop strong policies related to safety and liability.”
- “Work hard to have effective policies and procedures in place so you can be most effective.”
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4. Engage Local Businesses
Engaging local businesses in volunteer programs can significantly enhance community initiatives and foster strong partnerships.
When businesses participate, they not only contribute valuable resources but also encourage their employees to become involved, amplifying the impact of city volunteerism efforts.
Here is some advice to involve local businesses in city volunteer initiatives:
- “Work with local chambers of commerce, collaborate with your own city's businesses as they often allow their employees to do team building opportunities. “
5. Be Patient and Start Slowly
Taking the time to thoughtfully implement each aspect of your program will not only enhance the experience for volunteers but also contribute to a more engaged and connected community.
Below, we share some insights on the importance of being patient as you develop your volunteer initiatives:
- “Start slowly and build on your success. Pick one or two programs to develop and place candidates who will succeed in those positions. Those candidates should be identified through an interview or talent assessment.”
- “Give it a try! Try one volunteer- get them moving and then try one more! Before you know it, you've got a whole team of volunteers.”
Embracing the Power of City Volunteerism
Building a robust volunteer program takes time and dedication, but the rewards can be transformative for both volunteers and the community at large.
By implementing these 5 strategies and focusing on creating meaningful connections, cities can cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and engaged.
Remember, every small step counts, and by nurturing these relationships, we not only enhance our community but also foster a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that can lead to lasting change.
Thank you to the Bush Foundation for funding this initiative on city volunteer engagement.
