The Standards of Excellence for Non-Profit organizations Utilizing Corporate Volunteers

THE STANDARDS OF BEING A VOLUNTEER

The Standards: Strategy

Non-Profit volunteers need to develop a thoughtful strategy, one of which reflects the values and beliefs of the non-profit organizations with respect to patronage, in general, and volunteerism, in particular. The strategy should incorporate a mission statement, policies and guidelines which: address why the non-profit organizations encourages, promotes and supports volunteerism; provide direction in terms of goals and objectives; align with existing community relations/involvement strategies; and incorporate business objectives, employee interest and community needs.

StandardsII: Infrastructure

Non-profit organizations need to set the scope and parameters by which their programs will operate by establishing a clearly defined program structure and developing processes and procedures to guide their volunteer programs. Similarly, non-profit organizations also need to assign the appropriate number of personal, and allocate sufficient funds, to effectively support, manage and run their projects.

Standard III: Communication

Non-profit organizations need to develop communications strategies, leverage appropriate communications tools and deliver pertinent information and messages to key internal and external audiences aimed at generating awareness, elevating interest and driving participation. A point person is key.

Standard IV: Leadership

Non-profit organizations need to encourage a high level of senior management buy-in and support for volunteerism, as well as participation with staff and board service activities.

Standard V: Education & Training

Non-profit organizations need to educate employees and management on the importance of volunteering and train them on how to volunteer/get involved. Remember to be patient because the long term goal is worth the short term effort!

Standard VI: Recognition

Non-profit organization- especially management- need to recognize employees, both formally and informally, for their commitment of time, talent and energy, as often as possible for planning corporate volunteering involvement projects. Of course you must also recognize the corporate volunteers!!

Standard VII: Employee Engagement and GOALS

Non-profit organizations need to create a culture that makes employees want to get involved with specific goals for the project. Delegating parts of the project to key people are the way the project will get done.

Standard VIII: Effective Partnerships

Non-profit organizations need to establish effective partnerships with the “right” companies, those which have the knowledge, experience and capacity to successfully: plan and organize events and activities: coordinate and manage volunteer participation; recognize employee and corporate support; and utilize corporate and community resources in a responsible manner. The company with the mission similar to that of the non profit is the one that will sustain a relationship.

Standard IX: Evaluation & Measurement

Non-profit organizations need to consistently and accurately track employee engagement, both formally and informally, as well as measure and evaluate process and outcome data.

Create Volunteer Projects

The first step in organizing a team project is deciding what activities are appropriate for your location and your potential volunteers. There are many project ideas that you could come up with for your volunteer such as organizing a toy drive, cleaning up a park or beach and painting over graffiti.

Helpful Hints for Projects

Half-day events are best. Morning projects have higher attendance rate and try to make it a rain-or-shine event (make it so that if your project is outside and it rains, you can do it indoors or undercover). Don’t commit to a project unless you are sure of yours and your volunteers’ capabilities. Use the project as a team-building and family event. Invite friends and retirees.