Volunteers are a critical stakeholder of nonprofit organizations. Some nonprofits, like service providers, rely on volunteers more than others. As such, it is best practice to have a dedicated person who is looking out for the volunteers' interests. Some things to consider: (1) does the volunteer feel productive and fulfilled; (2) does the volunteer feel appreciated; (3) is it easy for the volunteer to engage; (4) is the volunteer provided with clear, concise and relevant information about the opportunity and experience? Far too often, mainly due to limited resources and time, most or all of the effort goes into rounding up volunteers. This creates the perception of a transaction, rather than a mutually-beneficial relationship.

To inspire unwavering volunteer dedication, connect every individual’s efforts directly to your mission’s impact. Share compelling stories from beneficiaries, highlight the tangible changes volunteers are driving, and celebrate milestones, both big and small. Cultivating a strong, inclusive culture that values feedback and growth is essential. Offer meaningful recognition and development opportunities, encouraging volunteers to bring their unique skills to the table. By actively listening to volunteers, acknowledging their contributions, and keeping your mission at the forefront, you’ll build a deeply invested, loyal community that grows alongside your organization.

Inspiring unwavering dedication from volunteers requires fostering a sense of ownership, impact, and community. Connect volunteers deeply with your cause by sharing powerful stories and demonstrating the tangible impact of their efforts. Empower them with meaningful responsibilities and opportunities for growth, recognizing and appreciating their contributions. Cultivate a strong community where volunteers feel valued, supported, and connected to each other and the mission. Offer flexibility and choice in their roles, and ensure clear communication and feedback. By nurturing a sense of purpose, belonging, and appreciation, you can ignite a passion that fuels lasting commitment.

Dennis Young lists volunteers as one of seven ways (along with various cash methods) to afford and accomplish the mission of the agency. If the agency is struggling, I wonder if it needs a better onboarding and supervision process. Volunteers are much like paid staff - they need to know what is promised to the client, they need to know the core values that guide behavior, and they need a supervisor to reflect on their work and hand flexibility since their schedules are often not as regular as paid staff. And as Darren Sudman says, there needs to be rituals so that volunteers feel appreciated and that they are part of the organization.