How do you refresh volunteer training?

1 Assess your current training

The first step to refresh your volunteer training is to evaluate your current training program. What are the goals and objectives of your training? How do you measure its impact and outcomes? How do you collect feedback from the volunteers and the staff? How often do you update your training materials and methods? How do you address the different learning styles and preferences of your volunteers? By answering these questions, you can identify the strengths and weaknesses of your current training and find areas for improvement.

2 Involve your volunteers

The second step to refresh your volunteer training is to involve your volunteers in the process. Your volunteers are the best source of information and insights on what they need and want from the training. You can ask them to share their opinions, suggestions, and experiences through surveys, interviews, focus groups, or online forums. You can also invite them to co-create or co-facilitate the training sessions, or to mentor or coach new or less experienced volunteers. By involving your volunteers, you can make them feel valued, respected, and empowered, and also increase their engagement and retention.

3 Use a variety of methods

The third step to refresh your volunteer training is to use a variety of methods to deliver the training. Depending on your resources, goals, and audience, you can choose from different formats and platforms, such as online courses, webinars, podcasts, videos, games, simulations, or case studies. You can also mix and match different methods to create a blended learning approach that combines online and offline elements. The key is to use methods that are interactive, relevant, and fun, and that cater to the different needs and preferences of your volunteers.

4 Incorporate new trends and best practices

The fourth step to refresh your volunteer training is to incorporate new trends and best practices in the field of volunteer management and the sector you work in. You can stay updated on the latest developments and innovations by reading blogs, newsletters, magazines, or books, attending webinars, workshops, or conferences, or joining online communities or networks of volunteer managers. You can also benchmark your training program against other organizations or programs that have similar or different volunteer models or missions. By incorporating new trends and best practices, you can ensure that your training is relevant, current, and aligned with the standards and expectations of the industry.

5 Review and revise regularly

The fifth step to refresh your volunteer training is to review and revise your training program regularly. You can use the feedback and data you collected from the first step to measure the effectiveness and impact of your training. You can also monitor the performance and satisfaction of your volunteers and the staff who work with them. You can then use this information to make adjustments or changes to your training program as needed. You can also set a schedule or a system to review and revise your training program periodically, such as every year or every quarter. By reviewing and revising regularly, you can ensure that your training program is responsive, adaptive, and continuous.

6 Celebrate and appreciate

The sixth step to refresh your volunteer training is to celebrate and appreciate your volunteers for their learning and achievements. You can recognize and reward your volunteers for completing the training sessions, acquiring new skills, or improving their performance. You can also celebrate and appreciate your volunteers for their contributions, dedication, and impact. You can do this by sending them thank-you notes, certificates, badges, or gifts, hosting appreciation events or parties, or featuring them on your website, newsletter, or social media. By celebrating and appreciating your volunteers, you can boost their morale, motivation, and loyalty, and also encourage them to continue learning and growing.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?