Volunteers are the heartbeat of many nonprofit organizations, associations, and chambers of commerce.
When engaged effectively, they extend an organization’s reach, deepen community impact, and become passionate ambassadors for the mission.
When mismanaged, however, even the most well‑intentioned volunteers can feel frustrated or disengaged.
On The Institute for Organization Management (IOM) webinar, Success Tips for Working With Volunteers, produced for the United States Chamber of Commerce’s Institute For Organization Managemnt, I shared practical guidance from my book, Stop The Nonprofit Board Blame Game, to help leaders build stronger, more productive volunteer relationships. This article is adapted from that webinar and is shared with permission.
One of the most important success factors discussed in the webinar is clarity.
Volunteers want to make a difference, but they need to understand exactly how their time and talents contribute to the mission.
Clear role descriptions, well‑defined expectations, and specific outcomes help volunteers feel confident and valued from the start. When leaders invest time upfront to explain the “why” behind the work, volunteers are more motivated and more likely to stay engaged.
Another key theme is recruitment with intention. Successful organizations match volunteers’ skills, interests, and availability with the right opportunities.
Rather than filling slots quickly, effective volunteer managers take time to learn what motivates each individual. This approach not only improves performance but also builds trust. Volunteers who feel seen and understood are far more likely to bring energy, creativity, and commitment to their roles.
Communication is also critical to volunteer success.
Regular updates, timely feedback, and open channels for questions or concerns create a sense of belonging.
The webinar emphasized that volunteers should never feel like an afterthought. Including them in relevant communications, celebrating milestones, and sharing impact stories reinforces that their contributions matter.
Training and support play an equally important role. Volunteers may bring enthusiasm, but they still need guidance to succeed.
Providing orientation, ongoing training, and access to staff support reduces confusion and prevents burnout. When volunteers are equipped with the tools they need, they are empowered to perform at their best.
Recognition and appreciation round out the success formula.
While volunteers are not motivated by pay, they are motivated by purpose and appreciation. Simple gestures—such as thank‑you notes, public recognition, or opportunities for leadership—can go a long way. Meaningful recognition strengthens loyalty and encourages long‑term involvement.
Ultimately, working successfully with volunteers requires intentional leadership.
By setting clear expectations, communicating consistently, supporting growth, and expressing genuine appreciation, organizations can transform volunteer engagement into a strategic advantage.
As highlighted in the IOM webinar, when volunteers feel respected and connected to the mission, everyone wins—the organization, the community, and the volunteers themselves.
What do you do to ensure success for your organization’s use of volunteers?