More and more often, companies are recognizing the value of incorporating volunteerism into their corporate objectives. Not only do volunteer events reflect positively on the company brand, they also create an opportunity to give back and make an impact on local communities, as well as provide employees with a rewarding team building experience. But before you set out the sign-up sheet for your volunteer event, take a moment to consider this advice:
Q. What’s the best way to choose an organization at which to volunteer?
A. To maximize participation, it’s important to choose a charity or non-profit organization whose mission resonates with your employees and mirrors your company’s corporate vision. Start with input from your team. What are their passions? Do any of them currently volunteer at an organization in dire need of the extra assistance your team could provide? Is there a need in your community that isn’t currently being filled? Feedback early in the process will go a long way toward recruiting and keeping your volunteers engaged.
Q. Should the volunteer event be a short-term or long-term opportunity?
A. Many non-profits don’t possess the financial means, resources, or time to coordinate a short-term volunteer event for a large group of untrained volunteers. As such, it’s a better use of your volunteers’ time and more beneficial to the organization if you can make a commitment for a longer period.
Q. What should I do to prepare?
A. Ultimately, the responsibility for laying the groundwork for the event lies with the planner. As you plan and coordinate with the organization, it’s important to factor in such considerations as any training, safety precautions, dress requirements (i.e. no open toed shoes, hair nets, no jewelry, etc.) and pre- or post-meetings with the organization. You should also consider costs to your organization such as any liability insurance that may be required, any materials needed to promote the event, and loss of staff productivity in your own organization while participating at the event.
Additionally, you should define the various activities to perform within a single event. For example, if your group is volunteering to serve meals at a shelter, how many people are needed to prep the site? Will there be a need for assistance with cooking? Serving? Clean up? Define responsibilities ahead of time to ensure that your group is maximizing their efforts and making an impact at the event.
Finally, have a plan in place for the unexpected. For example, are there additional tasks your group can undertake if they complete their project sooner than expected? What will you do if the team does not complete the project in the allotted time? Will you schedule a full up session to complete the job?
Q. What are some volunteer opportunities available to groups?
A. There’s certainly no shortage of non-profits that could benefit from an influx of volunteers. Some activities for your group to consider include staffing an event (set up, registration, ticket taking, clean up); serving meals; assembling mailings; stocking food shelves; sorting donations, such as clothes and furniture; or cleaning an outdoor area, such as a riverbank or public beach.
Q. Any additional tips?
A. In addition to contributing your teams’ efforts to a worthy cause, this event is also about team building. It’s important to recognize your teams’ efforts, both as individuals and as a group, and to let them know how much your company and the non-profit organization value their contributions.
Finally, make sure you document the event and post photos on your company website, social media accounts, or company newsletter. Not only will this provide you with a record of an important team experience, it might also inspire others to join in on future volunteering events.
