This article originally appeared on www.mavanetwork.org and is featured here in partnership with the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement.
When starting a city volunteer program, a common concern is how to effectively staff it to ensure its success.
The Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) strongly advises hiring a professional, experienced Volunteer Manager or Community Resources Manager. This individual should possess a deep understanding of volunteer engagement, community needs, and effective program management.
Cities that have implemented this recommendation have found that skilled staff can not only develop a successful volunteer program but also foster strong relationships between volunteers and the community.
Why Are Volunteer Managers Important?
As cities strive to enhance their community connections and support local initiatives, the role of a Volunteer Manager becomes increasingly crucial.
Their expertise not only ensures the successful implementation of volunteer programs, but also cultivates an environment where community members feel valued and engaged.
What Are the Key Responsibilities of City Volunteer Managers?
Volunteer managers play a crucial role in city volunteer programs by connecting volunteers with the communities they serve.
Here are some of their key responsibilities when for building an engaged volunteer network:
- Volunteer Managers provide easy access to volunteerism within the city. They can offer a central entry point for prospective volunteers. They are able to build a relationship with volunteers, keep them aware of new position development, help them to change their position within the city’s volunteer program, and maintain recognition for their role in helping the city or county to grow while offering new and better services.
- Volunteer managers work with staff to develop a positive image of what volunteers can do and understand why residents want to engage in the work of their community. They can provide new employee orientation, along with training to staff and city leaders on understanding volunteerism and working with volunteers.
- Volunteer managers build and maintain partnerships with community individuals and groups, engage civic organizations, school groups, faith communities, employees, and others who want to become resources to their cities and counties.
- Volunteer managers can work with prospective volunteers to match them with an appropriate volunteer position. They bring in the resources of highly skilled individuals willing to serve, and negotiate a proper placement for them with staff
City Volunteer Managers may report to Administration, HR or the City Manager or City Clerk. It works well for them to cultivate volunteer involvement across city departments. They can define the return on investment of volunteer engagement and build new friends for their community.
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The Role of Volunteer Managers in Fostering Community Engagement
Volunteer managers can serve one city on a full or part time basis, or they can share time with a neighboring city. They can serve on a county wide basis, representing several communities.
Volunteer Managers are community engagement specialists who bring ordinary residents into new partnership with their community and gain understanding about the issues and growth opportunities of that community.
How Can City Volunteer Managers Grow Their Skills?
Volunteer managers can participate in the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) as members to grow their skills, learn about new initiatives and network with leaders to gain new ideas and new solutions to problems.
MAVA’s annual conference allows them to meet and network with managers across the state and even outside Minnesota, growing their skills and their awareness of trends that will impact the future of volunteerism
