The power of people: the changing world of volunteerism, Part Two - Forum focus: local associations

Have you at any time considered the number of hours you have donated in service to MTNA? Active membership in this organization, which functions primarily from one side volunteer efforts, means you probably have given many hours and contributed in a wide variety of ways: serving upon a board, planning an incident judging, speaking, monitoring, even cookie baking!

The United States is a nation of givers. Americans donate their time and cash to a multitude of causes and charities. The average individual donates 42 hours by means of week and gives because they believe they owe something to their communities. Robert K Goodwin, president and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation, said, "Volunteering isn't simply something nice to do, it's necessary for the health of our democracy. America step quicklys on the spirit of volunteering."

notwithstanding in spite of our history of service, volunteerism is a growing issue for organizations like as MTNA. The majority of Americans find themselves living in insecure financial times that require sum of two units incomes. As mothers have joined the workforce, the traditional tender base has declined.

In addition to economic changes, we are experiencing generational changes. The "Pre-Boomer" Generation is disappearing fast--the generation that believed in service and self-sacrificing for a higher cause and supporting the institutions they believed in. The upcoming generations set a dollar value to their time and ask, "What is in this for me?" and they don't leap over behind a cause unless it directly benefits themselves or their children. They are working for balance, setting priorities and making time to have a life outside work. thus while most Americans are willing to offer and are volunteering for specific causes, they have plenteous less time and want to use it where they diocese the greatest benefits.

This profile can be discouraging to an organization in ne of many willing hands, on the other hand once we understand why our aged methods may not work in today's world, we will be able to devise novel solutions that will allow our organization to continue to flourish. If you are in a position where you ne race power, consider the following tips for attracting and retaining beneficial volunteers:

Think "outside the box" The organization itself must appeal to those asked to proffer by being efficient and well organized, it may be time to reorganize the infrastructure and redefine and streamline responsibilities.

Up the "cause ratio." Before anyone will join forces with you, they have to diocese the value in it and realize their participation will make a difference.

Articulate a "vision." Broadcast in each way available, a vision or view and a clear set of objectives and plans for achieving those goals. Eliminate any busy work or duplication of services. Find the easiest and greatest in quantity efficient way to accomplish the goal.

Give clear instructions. Simplify technical information, on the other hand give enough "insider" information to help tenders realize they belong to a team. Give them adequate resources and cutting-edge information that will help them in their offer experience and other parts of their lives as well.

Find the right somebody for the job. Let them know wherefore you want them specifically and in what manner they will make a difference.

proffer "episodic volunteering," where projects have a defined duration. Be careful not to ask them to eat an elephant. plane one bite at a time, an elephant is still an elephant. Give assignments that are reasonable to each volunteer's abilities and time restraints. If necessary, increase the work force or downsize the assignment.

Delegate; don't dictate or micromanage. Give guidelines and goals, and then give them the creative license to do the piece of work using their own knowledge and abilities.

Motivate by dint of pointing out the personal rewards they will receive, like as recognition for their efforts, association with colleagues, faculty of perception of satisfaction in their work, increased skills and thus on.

Give continual verbal and public acknowledgement. Do not take any act of service for granted; notice and appreciate it.

Although we live in an age of uncertain prosperity and changing values, volunteerism is not dead. There are many willing nation who desire to contribute to important causes and organizations like ours. With this information and with creative thinking, we can find fresh techniques that will strengthen our profession and our organization.

2004 MTNA National discourse Sessions

On Tuesday, March 30 9:15-10:15 A.M., Geri Cheney will not away "The Power of People: Our tender Forces." The session will discuss the importance of volunteerism to the succes of organizations of that kind as MTNA. The changing paradigm of volunteerism also will be discussed during the session.

The Local Associations Forum meeting will be held Monday, March 29 9:15-10:15 A.M.

This is the next to the first of a two-part series. The first part of this series appeared in the December/January 2003/2004 AMT.

Geri Cheney, NCTM is an independent music teacher, adjudicator and lecturer She is president of MTNA's Southwest Division.

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