Association Leadership - September/October 2008 - (Page 25)

volunteers: vetting volunteers Don’t Get Stuck One of the many challenges inherent to organizations is to stay fresh and nimble, and not get bogged down doing things the way they’ve always been done. This, say the executives, is particularly important when working with today’s volunteers. Beverly says constantly asking why can be a good thing. “It’s really about engaging the person – you want them to feel that they are part of the community, that they belong, that it is their organization. Match up what your talent pool is with the things that need to be done.” TAHPERD’s Everett says the association did just that. “We did eliminate several committees and positions, because they just didn’t have a function within the structure.” Donahoo adds that it can be all too easy to lose sight of the forest. “We’ve certainly found that a job we used to be able to get someone to do, even ﬁve years ago, for a year, now they don’t have time for it. So, don’t be afraid to break down jobs – just because it’s always been a treasurer job and one person’s held it, doesn’t mean you can’t break it into two, a treasurer and an assistant treasurer. I think it’s the little stuff we get hung up on, the structure and the way it’s always been, but sometimes those are the easiest changes we can make.” with the association. It’s a win-win – they learn things like delegation and communication skills that they can put to work in their own businesses and we use it to build the leadership pool that we want.” The American Diabetes Association also makes sure to shower their volunteers with as much positive feedback as it can. Creswell says, “We recognize our volunteers in writing, and we give out awards to recognize those individuals that have gone above and beyond the call of duty. We send out an e-newsletter to about 4,000 members and we really try to promote and recognize the volunteers in the newsletters.” Creswell also has the ﬁnal word in appreciating volunteers: Walk a mile in their shoes. “The last thing I would add would be you have to put your money where your mouth is. Those of us in the nonproﬁt or trade sector need to volunteer as well – we have to know what it’s like.” ◆ Play Up the Perks Recognizing one’s hard-earned efforts with a bonus is a sure way to do it with a paid workforce, but of course that doesn’t mean volunteering comes up empty in the perks department. Other than the intrinsic value of giving something back – which certainly should be emphasized – making potential volunteers aware of the more extrinsic rewards is important, too. TRA, for example, has a leadership program that offers both. Held bi-annually, the course is invitation-only and provides members with skills they can use in their dayto-day restaurant operations. Jackson says, “Our local chapters use it as a tool to recruit at the local level. During the class of 20 to 35 restaurateurs, we give them certain leadership skills and we talk about the service opportunities Coming Soon Kongresshalle (Convention Center) Spring 2008! 1-800-572-2626 www.nbjumpin.com September/October 2008 | Association LEADERSHIP 25 11/6/06 8:09:42 PM 306758_NewBraufels.indd 1 http://www.newbraunfelschamber.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Association Leadership - September/October 2008

Association Leadership - September/October 2008 Contents President’s Column Homepage 60-Second Solutions An Interview with TSAE’s New Chairperson TSAE’s Newest Board Members Vetting Volunteers Orientation of Volunteer Leaders Get on Board – Qualification Considerations Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes Liability Insurance for Volunteer Leaders Committee Planning TSAE’s Annual Golf Outing Congratulations to Our New CAEs Perspectives Association Case Study New Members Community Spotlight San Antonio Beaumont Index to Advertisers Advertiser.com The Lighter Side of Associations

Association Leadership - September/October 2008

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