When it comes to the volunteers that make up your NFP it takes careful management to ensure that all the roles within the organisation are taken care of and that your volunteers are taken care of in the process. Both options take someone with management experiences, a can-do attitude and the right outlook for the benefits of all concerned.

Management doesn’t necessarily come easy to most people. If they haven’t had experience in managing people, then it is vital that those in charge of your volunteers are given the support and assistance to become good people managers.

Whether through in-house training, professional development or cross-training within the organisation, it is imperative that managers are assessed for their skill levels, have training structured to support them and that they continue to seek support from other managers to ensure they are fulfilling their roles in the best way possible.

One organisation that is available to support managers of volunteers is the Australian Association for Managers of Volunteers. The association operates throughout Australia and New Zealand. For a minimal yearly fee the association is there to provide a professional service tailored to the needs of managers of volunteers by providing support, access to professional development and the ability to collaborate and share ideas with other managers of volunteers.

It is imperative that the volunteers of all NFPs be given the support they need to ensure the organisation runs smoothly, and it is equally as imperative that the managers of volunteers be given the same level of support and training to enable the skills and support to filter down through the organisation at all times. The quickest way to create a strong organisation is to have strong and supported team members that feel they are being listened to, that their time is valued and that their input is an invaluable part of the organisation.

By providing access to the AAMOV, your organisation can ensure that your managers are adaptable and skilled in managing volunteers as opposed to the skills they would have used in a corporate environment to manage staff.  It is imperative that the difference is recognised as your organisation relies on volunteers who give freely of their personal time and therefore they should be treated with respect by their managers and with professional courtesy and as equals.

Have you utilised the AAMOV within your organisation? If so, we would love to hear your feedback on the organisation and how it benefited your NFP.