登录查看更多内容

You're facing communication hurdles between volunteers and staff. How can you bridge the gap effectively?

由人工智能和领英社区提供技术支持

Communication challenges between volunteers and staff in nonprofit organizations can create significant barriers to achieving your mission. It's essential to recognize that volunteers often bring a wealth of enthusiasm and diverse skills, but they may not always have the same level of investment or understanding of procedures as paid staff. Bridging this gap requires clear strategies and a commitment to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and informed. By addressing these hurdles head-on, you can create a more cohesive and effective team.

此文章中的业界达人

由社区从 9 条内容中精选。了解更多

1 Understand Needs

To bridge communication gaps, start by understanding the unique needs and motivations of both volunteers and staff. Volunteers may be driven by passion for the cause, the desire to make a difference, or the opportunity to develop new skills. Staff members, on the other hand, are often invested in the long-term success of the organization and may have more in-depth knowledge of its operations. Recognize that these differing perspectives can lead to miscommunication. By taking the time to listen to both groups and validate their contributions, you can begin to build a foundation for better communication.

添加您的观点

Melissa Maimone

Christian Author & Speaker
举报内容
Volunteers are the backbone of most nonprofits. So they are neither overlooked or taken for granted, it's a good idea to assign a staff member to act as the Volunteer Liaison. This prevents multiple staff members asking various volunteers to do things that have already been assigned, accomplished, or are outside of the volunteer's abilities. The volunteer liaison will be the one to understand staff needs and individual volunteer abilities. The volunteer liaison is also the one to ensure the volunteers feel seen and appreciated for their contributions so they want to continue to help.

已翻译

赞
Brigid Shea

Environmental & Public Policy Leader, Committed to Solving Climate Change
举报内容
I’d start by appreciating the volunteers. They are giving their time for free to further the cause. I would make clear to the staff that the volunteers are valued and we should start with that perspective.

已翻译

赞
Leitha Harris

Human Services Program Branch Manager
举报内容
In my experience, communication needs to be in multiple ways to reach volunteers. In my current position, we have an email, facebook page, meetings, and events to engage and share information with volunteers. After meetings, notes are shared with those not able to be present. Ensuring volunteers feel heard and valuable is key for them to return and be engaged.

已翻译

赞
Susan Shiells

Volunteer Engagement Coordinator with School On Wheels
举报内容
To bridge those gaps, start by making an effort to understand the goals, priorities, and constraints of other teams. Put yourself in their shoes and try to see things from their perspective. This empathy will help you communicate in a way that resonates with them and finds common ground.

已翻译

赞
Kay Sexton

Freelance Writer/Volunteer Coordinator
举报内容
Experience shows that volunteer perspectives are often undervalued by the staff team because there is a goal divergence. While the mission may be clear, the approach taken by each group can be very different - and the feedback of volunteer perspectives against mission is often lacking. Trustees have a significant role in shaping internal communications but they often fall short of overseeing this important area of their responsibility - instead they rely on the paid staff team to manage those channels. This can lead to a focus on staff priorities such as delivery against targets, budget, pleasing funders etc. These are important, but often fall short of the volunteer perspective which can round out overall contributions to mission.

已翻译

赞

加载更多内容

2 Establish Channels

Effective communication requires establishing clear channels that cater to the preferences and availability of both volunteers and staff. Consider implementing a variety of communication tools, such as regular meetings, newsletters, or a dedicated online platform where updates and information can be easily accessed. Ensure that these channels are not only used for disseminating information but also for encouraging dialogue and feedback. Regularly scheduled check-ins can help keep everyone on the same page and allow for timely addressing of any concerns or ideas.

添加您的观点

Emma Biscocho Pelletier

Assistant Director of Community & School Based Internships
举报内容
Especially for volunteers that may be doing this work in addition to a full-time job or full-time responsibilities, it can be helpful to get an idea of which communication methods they are using most effectively! For example, if texts will reach the most people as opposed to a new app everyone needs to download, it may be work investing in a text communication platform. In addition to that, ensure that the channels you do use have all the information and updates for volunteers to access on any platform.

已翻译

赞

3 Foster Inclusivity

Creating an inclusive environment is crucial for effective communication between volunteers and staff. Encourage an organizational culture that values each person's input, regardless of their role. This can be achieved by involving volunteers in decision-making processes and recognizing their contributions publicly. Additionally, providing opportunities for staff and volunteers to work together on projects can help break down barriers and foster mutual respect and understanding.

添加您的观点

4 Train Thoroughly

Investing in thorough training for both staff and volunteers is essential for clear communication. Training should cover not only the tasks at hand but also the preferred communication protocols of the organization. This ensures everyone understands how to share information, whom to approach with questions or concerns, and how to provide feedback. Regular refreshers and updates on communication practices can also help maintain clarity and prevent misunderstandings.

添加您的观点

5 Encourage Feedback

Encouraging open feedback is a powerful way to improve communication. Create safe spaces where volunteers and staff can express their thoughts without fear of judgment or reprisal. Consider anonymous surveys or suggestion boxes if direct feedback is challenging. Act on the feedback received to show that you value their input, which in turn can enhance trust and openness within the team.

添加您的观点

6 Resolve Conflicts

When communication issues lead to conflicts, address them promptly and constructively. Conflict resolution skills are critical in nonprofit leadership. Develop clear procedures for managing disputes and ensure that both volunteers and staff are aware of these processes. Approach conflicts as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than setbacks, and focus on finding solutions that strengthen team cohesion and communication.

添加您的观点

Non-profit Leadership

+ 关注

给文章评分

我们借助人工智能创建了此文章。您认为这篇文章怎么样？

很棒不太好

举报此文章

查看全部

You're facing communication hurdles between volunteers and staff. How can you bridge the gap effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand Needs

2 Establish Channels

3 Foster Inclusivity

4 Train Thoroughly

5 Encourage Feedback

6 Resolve Conflicts

Non-profit Leadership

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

更多Non-profit Leadership相关文章

更多相关阅读内容

You're facing communication hurdles between volunteers and staff. How can you bridge the gap effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand Needs

2 Establish Channels

3 Foster Inclusivity

4 Train Thoroughly

5 Encourage Feedback

6 Resolve Conflicts

Non-profit Leadership

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

查看其他技能