How can Volunteer Managers build a team that is committed to social justice?

1 Define your vision and values

The first step to building a team that is committed to social justice is to clearly define your vision and values as an organization and as a volunteer program. What is your mission and purpose? What are the social issues that you are trying to address and why? What are the principles and standards that guide your work and interactions? Communicate these to your volunteers and make sure they understand and align with them. This will help you create a shared sense of direction and identity for your team.

2 Provide training and education

Another important step is to provide your volunteers with adequate training and education on the topics and skills related to social justice. This can include topics such as human rights, diversity and inclusion, cultural competence, anti-oppression, advocacy, and community engagement. Training and education can help your volunteers gain knowledge and awareness, develop empathy and respect, and learn how to apply social justice principles in their work. You can use various methods and formats, such as workshops, webinars, podcasts, books, articles, or guest speakers, to deliver training and education to your volunteers.

3 Encourage dialogue and feedback

A third step is to encourage dialogue and feedback among your volunteers and between your volunteers and other stakeholders. Dialogue and feedback can help your team exchange ideas, perspectives, experiences, and opinions on social justice issues and challenges. They can also help your team identify gaps, problems, opportunities, and solutions in your work. Dialogue and feedback can foster collaboration, learning, innovation, and accountability in your team. You can create spaces and platforms for dialogue and feedback, such as meetings, forums, surveys, or online tools, and facilitate them in a respectful and constructive manner.

4 Recognize and reward

A fourth step is to recognize and reward your volunteers for their contributions and achievements in social justice work. Recognition and reward can motivate your volunteers, boost their morale, and show them that you value and appreciate their efforts and impact. Recognition and reward can take various forms, such as verbal praise, certificates, awards, gifts, or events. You can also highlight and celebrate the stories and successes of your volunteers and the communities and causes that they serve.

5 Model and promote

A final step is to model and promote social justice in your own behavior and actions as a volunteer manager. You can set an example for your team by demonstrating your commitment, passion, and integrity in social justice work. You can also promote social justice in your organization and beyond by advocating for policies, practices, and resources that support your volunteers and your mission. By modeling and promoting social justice, you can inspire and influence your team and others to join you in creating positive social change.