The answer is resounding: a sense of community!
We surveyed our network of volunteer leaders, and they all agree; programs that focus on building community keep volunteers coming back time and again.
In this article, we’ll share the real reasons that volunteers value community and the ways in which you can nurture these connections in your own program.
‘A sense of community’ can be described as a feeling of shared purpose or belonging between members of a group. The group can be knit together by shared interests, cultural background, or other factors that unite them.
Members of a community believe they matter to those around them, and they feel confident that their needs will be met as they work towards a shared purpose or goal. Inclusivity is at the heart of a community-focused approach; volunteer programs should take care to create a welcoming environment for all types of volunteers.
We surveyed over 125 volunteer leaders on the #1 reason their volunteers serve with them. After compiling their responses, we realized that time and again, their answer was community.
After all, what motivates a group of people to get up early on Saturday morning to head to your organization and pack boxes? It's not just that they care about the cause, but it's also the experience of smiling faces, warm greetings, and friendly conversations over a cup of coffee while getting started with their tasks.
These are the small moments that build a "sense of community.”
Many people choose to volunteer in search of a sense of belonging. They may seek connection through the common causes or activities that your organization supports. Perhaps they hope to experience personal growth, develop skill sets, expand their networks, or be close to those who are making an impact in their hometown. Many people choose to volunteer in hopes of making new friends and return again and again because they are connected to the community they've gained at your organization.
Whatever the reason someone chooses to volunteer with your organization, take a look at the ways you build a sense of community in your organization and you'll find the key to success!
The reality is, building a thriving volunteer community takes intentional effort. Time is an often-cited barrier, along with communication and limited staffing resources. However, these challenges are far outweighed by the benefits of investing in a volunteer community.
One of the greatest impacts of nurturing a volunteer community is the increased return on investment. This means that your organization gets more resources out of its volunteer program than it’s putting in. When organizations create a thriving community, they can maximize their limited human resources, build capacity, and increase donor engagement.
Building a community atmosphere can also help bolster volunteer retention efforts. Research shows that high volunteer turnover can disrupt an organization’s operational efficiency, and might even have an effect on its ability to render essential services. Thus, organizations with strong, engaged volunteer communities can consistently rely on its committed supporters, and may even perform better work.
Now that you know the importance of investing in a volunteer community, let’s look at some ways in which you can begin cultivating these connections in your own organization.
Fostering community amongst volunteers should be a top priority. By making a commitment to community, leading with a volunteer-focused approach, and encouraging volunteers to build community together, your organization can nurture the social connections that will allow your program to thrive.
Adopting a community-oriented attitude to volunteer management fosters a culture of shared values, responsibilities, and successes. Your volunteers are even more likely to stick around if they have a sense of belonging to your community! Therefore, prioritize community in your everyday operations by focusing on these following tactics:
Volunteer leaders know that the best way to succeed is by prioritizing their volunteers. When volunteers feel like their experiences and opinions are valued, you’re more likely to see increased satisfaction, a boost in performance, and a reduction in turnover rates.
Follow these tips for incorporating a volunteer-focused mindset in your program:
You should always consider the volunteer experience. What is the process like for volunteers? Does onboarding help them feel well-informed about your mission and integrated into the community? Can a volunteer orientation help instill a sense of unity?
Organizations can only help facilitate community-building; real relationships are forged by the people themselves. When people feel like they belong and that the relationships they have matter, they are more likely to remain serving with your organization.
Use the following techniques to empower volunteers to add to the dynamic community you’re already cultivating:
It’s true that many of the benefits of a volunteer community are intangible. It might simply mean that volunteers ‘want to be there’ and feel happy to spend their time with your organization. But be sure: while a community takes time to build and requires a dedicated effort, your program will see tangible results, increased volunteer retention, and prolonged volunteer engagement!