This webinar is presented as part of the Volunteer Engagement Webinar Series - 3 “R’s” - Recruitment, Retention and Recognition.
This series of webinars has been designed for the learner who wants to know some best practices, some tips and some strategies for the three “R’s” - Recruitment, Retention and Recognition. These three topics are interconnected and there is a dynamic tension between them. Non-profits have to actively seek people with skills, passion and experience and turn them into volunteers in order to accomplish the mission and work of the organization. This is tough work! But with greater understanding of the dynamics between recruitment, retention and recognition and how to develop more creative, engaging roles for volunteers, you will be leaders.
#2: Retention of Volunteers: “A Return on Investment (ROI) Approach”
So once you get volunteers, the next question is ‘how do we keep them?” Sound simple? It truly is a bit more complex. If recruitment is the process then retention is the outcome. Recognition is certainly tied into this aspect of volunteering, but we have learned how motivation, match, meeting volunteer needs and providing a variety of support to volunteers, truly makes a bigger difference. A shift has occurred in terms of how long a volunteer is willing to stay and when we understand this, we can respond with creative and unique ideas to support our volunteers. This session will focus on factors you can control and factors you cannot; a look at both short and long term retention; and 4 retention strategies you can implement tomorrow.
Downloads
- Webinar recording
- PPT Slide presentation
- American Soccer Association 30 Ideas for Retention
- Points of Light: How to Prevent Volunteer Burnout
- Volunteer Management in Arts Organizations: Case Study Theatre
Presenter Profile/Bio
Donna Lockhart is a trainer, consultant and partner in The RETHINK Group. Her mission is to help organizations “attract, support and expand” their volunteer resources. For over 35 years, she has partnered with hundreds of non-profit organizations to help develop volunteer engagement strategies; provide training; and, develop resources for volunteers and staff.
Donna has delivered hundreds of training opportunities focused on all aspects of volunteer engagement. This wide range of experience working with volunteers in many organizations has enriched her perspective. Arts clients include the Scougog Arts Council; Royal Scottish Country Dance Toronto Association; the Robert McLaughlin Gallery; and, the 2014 Philanthropy Forum in Peterborough that focused on volunteering in the Arts and Heritage Sector.
Donna designed and currently instructs the online Certificate in Volunteer Management for Sir Sandford Fleming College. In 2006, she designed the first online course for Charity Village called Building a Great Volunteer Program. It continues today to be one of their most popular courses. Her interest in working with youth lead to the publication of The Youth Volunteer Audit, a tool for non-profit organizations to increase their effectiveness and success with youth.
Volunteering: Donna has volunteered since the age of 12 and contributed in many roles: AMVS-the local volunteer association in Peterborough; Board member and Director of Education for PAVR-O; volunteer writer for Charity Village; Advisory Member to help the HR Council of Canada and the Canadian Administrators of Volunteers to develop the first Occupational Standards for the role of Coordinator of Volunteers (completed fall 2012); YWCA of Peterborough Board Member; Peterborough Community Care Yearly Run; and, the Shoebox Project.
Donna is a Certified Volunteer Resource Manager and has a Master’s Degree in Community Development & Recreation Planning from York University.