Engaging Volunteers and Partners

1. Engaging Volunteers and Partners Cultivating Community with Garden-Based Learning Programs Webinar Session 5 March 28, 2012 Lori J. Brewer Cornell Garden-Based Learning Adult and Family Education Bushway@cornell.edu www.gardening.cornell.edu

2. Session objectives: • Outline basic components of volunteer engagement using ISOTURE model. • Describe mapping approach in identifying partners. • Participants share best strategies for volunteer and partner engagement. www.gardening.cornell.edu

3. Professional Field of Volunteer Engagement • Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration sponsors the "Certified in Volunteer Administration" (CVA): • A performance-based credentialing program designed to measure an individual's "knowledge-in-use"--the application of knowledge and skills by individuals with real-life experience. www.gardening.cornell.edu

4. Volunteer Engagement Phases • I dentifying • S electing • O rienting • T raining • U sing • R ecognizing • E valuating msue.anr.msu.edu www.gardening.cornell.edu

5. Identifying • What jobs need to get done? • Education – peer, specific audience • Planning, technical or clerical support • Development of resources or programs • Supervision, leadership… • What type of person is needed? • Paid staff member or volunteer • Specific knowledge, skills and attitude • Availability – regular, episodic, once www.gardening.cornell.edu

6. Job Descriptions For EVERY POSITION not matter how large or small! • Position Title • Length of Commitment • Time and Place • General Purpose • Specific Responsibilities • Qualifications • Training • Supervision • Benefits www.gardening.cornell.edu

7. Selecting (Recruiting) Ask Screen for proper initial placement and best job match Evaluate (regularly two-way communication) www.gardening.cornell.edu

8. Recruitment strategies? • Find resources on this topic at: • www.energizeinc.com/art/subj/recruit.html • Such as… • ABC of volunteer recruitment • Clever Communications • Turn Your Organization into a Volunteer Magnet • Your Circle of Resources • Plus a list of Websites Where You Can List Volunteer Opportunities www.gardening.cornell.edu

9. Orienting • Prepare volunteer for relationship with organization. • Provide general information every volunteer should know. • Familiarize volunteer with specific expectations and responsibilities. www.gardening.cornell.edu

10. Training • Preservice plan • Prepare volunteer to work for the organization • Equip volunteers with knowledge, skills and attitude needed • Inservice plan • Focuses on doing the job better, doing it differently, and doing it in new ways www.gardening.cornell.edu

11. Using • Most efficient when you have done a tailored version of the previous ISOT with all types volunteers... • Episodic • Stipend • Teens • College Aged • Families • Seniors • Individuals with a disability • Unemployed • Virtual • Middle Managers www.gardening.cornell.edu

12. Using: “Putting People to Work” • Thoughtfully place volunteers for success. • Let go of certain responsibilities to empower . • Cultivate two-way communication. www.gardening.cornell.edu

13. Recognizing • Recognize recognition. • Emphasize success. • Consider public recognition. • Do in a personal and honest manner. • Make it timely. • Clearly connect accomplishment and recognition. • Recognize in proportion to achievement. • Tailor recognition to volunteers. www.gardening.cornell.edu

14. Recognition is most effective when people are awarded with things significant to them. • Find resources on this topic at: www.energizeinc.com/ideas.html • Including ideas about… • Banquets and Parties with a Twist • Out-of-the-Ordinary Gifts • Awards/Special Acknowledgment to Volunteers • Trips and Outings • Learning Opportunities as Thanks • Ongoing and Informal Ways to Say Thank You • Community-Wide Events www.gardening.cornell.edu

15. Evaluating What to Evaluate? When? How often? What information is needed? Who will use the results? How will the results be used? www.gardening.cornell.edu

16. Volunteer Engagement Phases • I dentifying • S electing • O rienting • T raining • U sing • R ecognizing • E valuating msue.anr.msu.edu www.gardening.cornell.edu

17. www.gardening.cornell.edu

18. www.gardening.cornell.edu

19. www.gardening.cornell.edu

20. Partnerships Phases Gather insights in areas such as mutual need, vision, mission, values, culture.. Be able to rely fully on each other Needs assessments and develop of coordinated action and programs Maintain momentum to embedded in routines www.stoptb.org/assets/documents/countries/partnerships/building_partnerships_guide.pdf www.gardening.cornell.edu

21. Print Publication Resources For sale publication msue.anr.msu.edu then search achieving success through volunteers For sale publication American Community Gardening Association communitygarden.org www.gardening.cornell.edu

22. Session objectives: • Outline basic components of volunteer engagement using ISOTURE model. • Describe mapping approach in identifying partners. • Participants share best strategies for volunteer and partner engagement. QUESTIONS? Lori J Brewer Cornell Garden-Based Learning Adult and Family Education Bushway@cornell.edu www.gardening.cornell.edu

23. Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.  This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U. S. Department of Defense under Award No. 2009-48667-05833. Developed in partnership with Purdue University and Cornell University.  Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Military-Extension Partnership

24. www.gardening.cornell.edu/military under the cultivating community link find this five part webinar series recordings, PowerPoint presentations and participant shared resources. www.gardening.cornell.edu