SOG-UK-L Archives

Archiver > SOG-UK > 2002-10 > 1033648743


From: "Chris Gray" <>
Subject: [SoG] Use and abuse of volunteers
Date: Thu, 3 Oct 2002 13:39:03 +0100
In-Reply-To: <OE68tsQztQoPAzdaQYr00013a76@hotmail.com>


Hi,

I write - not as a volunteer for SOG events, but as one in a number of other
fields.

I also distinguish between the volunteer that has always done it and the
person who will do it only a few times in their lives. Looking after this
last case may ensure they volunteer again - not doing so may find the SoG
running out of helpers.

It is VERY easy to forget that some volunteers have never done the task
before and would welcome somebody spending time to brief them. A hurried
"Hello - there's the computer - are you OK?" almost always receives the
reply "I think so" and leaves a nervous person feeling that they are in the
way while all is seemingly in chaos! The organiser needs to understand
whether there are to be any new volunteers and set some time aside for
briefing - either by the organiser themselves (who'll rarely have the
time) - or an experienced volunteer. I prefer the latter because that
person probably still remembers the problems of the first time.

It is also too easy to unconsciously patronise the volunteer - just because
they have not done the job before.

Ensuring that the volunteer is valued - no matter what task they do or for
how long they are busy - is key to keeping them happy.

Volunteers need to be clear as to what expense they will be expected to pick
up and what is expected to happen regarding food and drink. A welcome
coffee or tea first thing helps no end. A thank you by the organiser
towards the end of the day (not at the end since some need to go early) is
well received - wine / chocolates / SoG bookshop coupon / other small gift
would be appreciated but is by no means essential.

A quick timetable sent out before hand as to who is turning up when, what
equipment is due to arrive, when and what needs to be done will not only
help the volunteer to understand what is happening - making sense of the
perceived chaos - but may also find the volunteer can help.

Where the event is to have an IT presence - then suitable power supplies and
communications links need to be available. As has been said, linking
computers is not something that should be done with expert help and firm
standards on such as virus checking, IP addresses, etc need to be
promulgated beforehand so that the volunteers have time to ensure that they
comply or can tell the organisers otherwise.

I suggest that experienced organisers put together a guide for other, less
experienced, people to follow to ensure that volunteers are made to feel
welcome, valued and a member of a successful team. Volunteers who feel
unwelcome, patronised, under-valued and under-utilised often don't bother
the next time.

regards

Chris
[C C W Gray]

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