How can you navigate the future of volunteer management?

1 Diversity and inclusion

One of the main trends in volunteer management is the increasing diversity and inclusion of volunteers. Volunteers come from different backgrounds, cultures, ages, abilities, and identities, and they bring valuable perspectives and skills to your organization. However, diversity and inclusion also require you to be more intentional and proactive in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all volunteers. You need to ensure that your recruitment, training, recognition, and communication strategies are inclusive and respectful of the differences and needs of your volunteers. You also need to foster a culture of learning and dialogue among your volunteers and staff, where they can share their experiences, feedback, and ideas.

2 Technology and innovation

Another trend in volunteer management is the growing use of technology and innovation to enhance the volunteer experience and impact. Technology and innovation can help you streamline your administrative tasks, such as scheduling, tracking, and reporting. They can also help you expand your reach, engage your volunteers, and measure your outcomes. For example, you can use social media, mobile apps, and online platforms to recruit, train, communicate, and recognize your volunteers. You can also use digital tools, such as virtual reality, gamification, and crowdsourcing, to create more interactive and meaningful volunteer opportunities. However, technology and innovation also pose some challenges, such as ensuring the security, privacy, and accessibility of your data and systems. You need to be aware of the benefits and risks of using technology and innovation and how to best leverage them for your organization and volunteers.

3 Flexibility and customization

A third trend in volunteer management is the increasing demand for flexibility and customization from volunteers. Volunteers want more control over their time, location, and role as volunteers. They want to choose when, where, and how they volunteer, based on their availability, interests, and skills. They also want to have a say in the design and delivery of their volunteer activities and the feedback and recognition they receive. As a volunteer manager, you need to be more responsive and adaptable to the preferences and expectations of your volunteers. You need to offer a variety of volunteer options, such as short-term, long-term, remote, or hybrid. You also need to tailor your training, support, and recognition to the specific needs and goals of your volunteers.

4 Collaboration and partnership

A fourth trend in volunteer management is the increasing importance of collaboration and partnership among organizations and volunteers. Collaboration and partnership can help you leverage the resources, expertise, and networks of other organizations and volunteers to achieve your mission and vision. They can also help you create more impact and value for your volunteers, beneficiaries, and communities. For example, you can collaborate with other organizations to provide more diverse and comprehensive volunteer opportunities, such as cross-sector or cross-cultural projects. You can also partner with your volunteers to co-create and co-deliver your programs and services, such as peer-to-peer mentoring or advocacy. However, collaboration and partnership also require you to be more strategic and transparent in your planning, communication, and evaluation. You need to establish clear roles, expectations, and outcomes for your partners and volunteers and ensure that they are aligned with your values and objectives.

5 Learning and development

A fifth trend in volunteer management is the increasing emphasis on learning and development for both volunteers and staff. Learning and development can help you improve your skills, knowledge, and competencies as a volunteer manager and as a leader. They can also help you enhance the skills, knowledge, and competencies of your volunteers and staff, as well as their motivation and satisfaction. For example, you can provide or access online or offline courses, workshops, webinars, or podcasts on topics such as volunteer engagement, diversity and inclusion, technology and innovation, or collaboration and partnership. You can also create or join communities of practice, networks, or forums where you can exchange best practices, insights, and challenges with other volunteer managers and professionals. However, learning and development also require you to be more committed and intentional in your personal and professional growth. You need to identify your strengths and areas for improvement and seek feedback and support from your peers, mentors, or coaches.

6 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?