Have you ever said, “I won’t do that again!” after volunteering for a committee, fundraiser, or organization?  I know I have. Until recently, I had decided that volunteering to help was more of a hassle than it was worth.  With three children, I have dabbled in volunteerism and often found the experiences disappointing.

For two consecutive years in a row my husband and I volunteered to coordinate ticket sales for my son’s group.  Our job was to distribute and track raffle tickets parents were responsible for selling and to coordinate occasional group sales locations.  This required a fair time commitment but we felt good about contributing to the organization.  That good feeling quickly dwindled when we were yelled at—and I mean yelled at—by a few parents who were angry about having to sell tickets in the first place.  It was the classic “shoot the messenger” scenario and the parents seemed to overlook the fact that we were just volunteers.

Recently my belief in volunteerism was restored thanks to community members who believe in giving back.  They showed me that volunteering could be a productive and rewarding experience.It is important now more than ever, that nonprofits and other agencies get volunteers in order to meet the growing social needs.  In a study published in July 2009, the Corporation for National and Community Service studied why “over one-third of volunteers (35.5%) drop out of service each year, and do not serve with any organizations the following year.”  This study provides some key insights to getting and keeping volunteers.

• People are more likely to volunteer if personally invited by a friend or relative.  “Many non-volunteers said they had never volunteered because they had simply never been asked to do so by someone they trusted.”
• Non-volunteers see themselves as essentially different from volunteers.  “Contrary to general perceptions, volunteers tend to have a busy schedule filled with work, children, and other commitments.”  Showcase volunteers so others can make connections and see they are the volunteer “type.”
• Non-volunteers worry about having enough time to volunteer.  “Many non-volunteers . . . felt that signing up for a volunteer activity meant they would be required to continue with that organization or activity indefinitely.”  Organizations can work to fit the volunteer opportunities with the amount of time the volunteer is willing to commit.
• Poor volunteer management turns people off of service. Participants repeatedly voiced, “If they had a bad experience with one organization, they were turned off from volunteering altogether.”  Wasting the volunteers time, working them to death, or mistreating them can mean the loss of a volunteer.
• Skills-based volunteering can bring in new volunteers.  “Opinions were voiced about the value of using an established skill and adding a new skill.” Agencies who match the strengths and desired tasks of the volunteer with the needs of the organization will keep their volunteers happy.

As the study indicated, when I had a few bad experiences with volunteering I was inclined to be “too busy” to volunteer.  Recently, I was asked to attend a meeting where a group of community members were advocating for the school bond in the borough election.   Like the research, I went because a friend asked me to and once I was there I learned about the purpose and benefit to the community.  The committee was very productive and set specific outcomes. We all shared the workload so that no one member was overloaded.  Our meetings were constructive because the updates were emailed ahead so the meeting could focus on actions and decisions. It felt good to work with such dedicated community members and it will have a lasting impact on my willingness to volunteer.  The effectiveness of the process reflected the principles our country was founded on and still at work today.  I witnessed true citizenship and selflessness.  Even with the work involved it was rewarding to give back to our schools.  Don’t forget to vote.