MANAGING YOUTH VOLUNTEERS AGENDA 5 Elements of Volunteer

MANAGING YOUTH VOLUNTEERS

AGENDA • • • 5 Elements of Volunteer Management Planning your youth volunteer program Recruiting youth Orienting and training youth volunteers Supervising and recognizing youth volunteers • Evaluating your youth volunteer program • Questions

5 ELEMENTS OF VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT 1. Planning a Volunteer Program 5. Evaluating Volunteer Programs 4. Supervising and Recognizing Volunteers 2. Recruiting and Placing Volunteers 3. Orienting and Training Volunteers and Staff

5 ELEMENTS OF VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT 1. Planning a YOUTH Volunteer Program 5. Evaluating YOUTH Volunteer Programs 4. Supervising and Recognizing YOUTH Volunteers 2. Recruiting and Placing YOUTH Volunteers 3. Orienting and Training YOUTH Volunteers and Staff

1. Planning a YOUTH Volunteer Program PLANNING A YOUTH VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

1. Planning a YOUTH Volunteer Program PLANNING RESOURCES

1. Planning a YOUTH Volunteer Program START BY ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS Why is i enga t import volu ge yout ant to h as ntee r s in com mun your ity?

1. Planning a YOUTH Volunteer Program WHEN YOUTH VOLUNTEER… They will 1. Be involved as adults. 2. Benefit from it. 3. Be better citizens. 4. Enhance the perceptions of adults.

1. Planning a YOUTH Volunteer Program ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS Wha t do fo could y ou r you r org ng peop l aniz ation e ?

1. Planning a YOUTH Volunteer Program BENEFITS OF ENGAGING YOUTH • • • Improve your organizational culture Invest in the future Bring new energy & specialized skills Tackle tough chores Great for PR

1. Planning a YOUTH Volunteer Program PROS & CONS OF YOUNG VOLUNTEERS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION What makes you excited to engage young people in your work? What is your biggest hesitation/fear about engaging young volunteers at your organization?

1. Planning a YOUTH Volunteer Program • • • PREPARE YOUR ORGANIZATION FOR YOUTH INVOLVEMENT Seek broad buy-in Host staff trainings Risk management Have basic systems in place Start small

5 ELEMENTS OF VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT 1. Planning a Volunteer Program 5. Evaluating Volunteer Programs 4. Supervising and Recognizing Volunteers 2. Recruiting and Placing Volunteers 3. Orienting and Training Volunteers and Staff

2. Recruiting and Placing YOUTH Volunteers RECRUITING YOUNG VOLUNTEERS

2. Recruiting and Placing YOUTH Volunteers YOUNG PEOPLE FIND SERVICE TO BE MEANINGFUL WHEN…. • It is personally relevant to them. • The activity is age-appropriate and interesting/engaging. • There is a social element.

2. Recruiting and Placing YOUTH Volunteers WHY DO YOUNG PEOPLE VOLUNTEER? They want to give back. For club/school hours. Feeling that they are making a difference. College applications. Their friends volunteer. As volunteer managers, how can we use this to our advantage?

2. Recruiting and Placing YOUTH Volunteers • • BARRIERS TO YOUTH VOLUNTEERISM Erratic, unpredictable schedules Lack of free time Lack of transportation Lack of knowledge or skill

2. Recruiting and Placing YOUTH Volunteers RETAINING YOUTH VOLUNTEERS Offer Options. Knowledge Needed Skills Needed Activity Level Frequency Shift Time Shift Length Commitment Level #1 Reason for not volunteering: Lack of time.

2. Recruiting and Placing YOUTH Volunteers PROJECT IDEAS FOR YOUTH Drives (food, clothing, children’s items, etc. ) Plant trees Custom crates, blankets and treats for animal shelter Start a community garden- donate the food. Host a healthy cooking class for friends or neighbors Pen pal programs Send care packages to deployed troops, veterans, or wounded soldiers. Make cards for the senior center Pick up trash and clean your neighborhood.

2. Recruiting and Placing YOUTH Volunteers TIPS FOR RECRUITING YOUNG PEOPLE • Use language that makes sense • Social Media • Partner with schools • Meet young people where they are

5 ELEMENTS OF VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT 1. Planning a Volunteer Program 5. Evaluating Volunteer Programs 4. Supervising and Recognizing Volunteers 2. Recruiting and Placing Volunteers 3. Orienting and Training Volunteers and Staff

3. Orienting and Training YOUTH Volunteers ORIENTING & TRAINING YOUNG VOLUNTEERS

3. Orienting and Training YOUTH Volunteers Orientation VS Training

3. Orienting and Training YOUTH Volunteers ORIENTATION ELEMENTS Cause: Why should I be volunteering here? Explain the ‘why’ Highlight development of skills and work experience. System: How will I be volunteering here? Social: Where do I fit in? Provide concise information that is relevant to their role. Spend time on this item because it is important to youth.

3. Orienting and Training YOUTH Volunteers TRAINING ELEMENTS The process of providing youth volunteers with the ability to perform specific types of work Knowledge Skills Attitudes

3. Orienting and Training YOUTH Volunteers • • • TIPS FOR DESIGNING YOUR ORIENTATION & TRAINING Pick a good time Adapt your handouts Consider a volunteer mentor Cover relevant processes Introduce yourself to parent/guardian • • Encourage questions Be thorough Build in physical activity Keep it informal

5 ELEMENTS OF VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT 1. Planning a Volunteer Program 5. Evaluating Volunteer Programs 4. Supervising and Recognizing Volunteers 2. Recruiting and Placing Volunteers 3. Orienting and Training Volunteers and Staff

4. Supervising and Recognizing YOUTH Volunteers SUPERVISING & RECOGNIZING YOUTH VOLUNTEERS

4. Supervising and Recognizing YOUTH Volunteers ACTIVITY: THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPERVISION Think of a negative volunteer/work experience you had as a youth o. To what extent did your supervisor contribute? Think of a really great volunteer/work experience you had as a youth o. To what extent did your supervisor help contribute?

4. Supervising and Recognizing YOUTH Volunteers STEPS IN SUPERVISING VOLUNTEERS Step 1: Define and Communicate Clear Expectations Step 2: Guide and Support Volunteers Step 3: Ensure that Volunteers Feel Rewarded and Recognized

4. Supervising and Recognizing YOUTH Volunteers TIPS FOR SUPERVISING TEEN VOLUNTEERS Step 1: Define & Communicate Clear Expectations • Be specific. • Focus on policies and procedures • Identify who they can approach for questions.

4. Supervising and Recognizing YOUTH Volunteers TIPS FOR SUPERVISING TEEN VOLUNTEERS Step 2: Guide & Support Take care of the person, not the task. If you take care of the person, they will take care of the task. • • Be encouraging Support, don’t control. Assign a mentor Schedule regular checkin’s

4. Supervising and Recognizing YOUTH Volunteers TIPS FOR RECOGNIZING YOUTH VOLUNTEERS Step 3: Ensure Volunteers Feel Recognized • Use traditional & social media • Send a note to their school or parent • Nominate them for an award. • Offer leadership opportunities • Provide a small gift

5 ELEMENTS OF VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT 1. Planning a Volunteer Program 5. Evaluating Volunteer Programs 4. Supervising and Recognizing Volunteers 2. Recruiting and Placing Volunteers 3. Orienting and Training Volunteers and Staff

5. Evaluating YOUTH Volunteer Programs EVALUATING YOUTH VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

5. Evaluating YOUTH Volunteer Programs • • • TIPS FOR EVALUATING YOUTH AS VOLUNTEERS Reflection vs. Evaluation Consider a self-assessment tool Diversify your feedback Be specific Focus on work skills AND contribution

5 ELEMENTS OF VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT 1. Planning a YOUTH Volunteer Program 5. Evaluating YOUTH Volunteer Programs 4. Supervising and Recognizing YOUTH Volunteers 2. Recruiting and Placing YOUTH Volunteers 3. Orienting and Training YOUTH Volunteers and Staff

QUESTIONS?

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