VOLUNTEER REPORT
Connecting With Volunteers in the Virtual Space: Key Tips to Show Your Support
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BY CASSANDRA SMALLMAN
fter over a year of public health restrictions, organizations worldwide have had to adapt and evolve to keep operations running remotely through new digital strategies. Restrictions helped spark innovations, and many nonprofits turned to new virtual ways to keep their volunteer programs going even when they couldn’t take place in person. There are many great benefits that arose out of these virtual volunteering programs, including fostering more meaningful connections with volunteers throughout a difficult time. The 2021 Volunteer Management Progress Report from Volpro indicates that in 2020, 52 percent of volunteer organizations offered more virtual volunteer opportunities. This shows plenty of organizations are investing in virtual volunteers, and there are plenty of benefits to providing these opportunities to both the organization and volunteer. While it is clear that virtual volunteering is a great way to bring in more volunteers, it does require adjusted engagement techniques to keep volunteers connected and motivated, the first of which is great communication. Let’s jump in! This article will offer four great tips to keep your virtual volunteers engaged and connected from anywhere: 1. Ensure ample communication. 2. Provide a range of volunteer opportunities. 3. Share online training resources. 4. Show your appreciation. Connecting With Volunteers in the Virtual Space - 4 Key Tips 1. Ensure ample communication Communicating with your volunteers is critical, whether they’re in-person or virtual. However, with volunteers working remotely, it is even more important to invest time in innovative and routine communications to ensure they don’t feel alone as they work towards your cause. Here are a few types of communications that can help you better connect with your virtual volunteers: 20
FOUNDATION Magazine
September/October 2021
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A routine email newsletter - Keep your volunteers informed about all the great work done and the progress that has been made toward your organization’s cause. The more information about the positive impact they are contributing to, the more motivated they will be. Monthly or bi-weekly virtual social gatherings - Foster a team environment by hosting virtual social events over video conferencing platforms to bring your volunteers together. Consider playing games or participating in other interactive activities to encourage engagement and foster a sense of community among your volunteers. Periodic one-on-one check-ins - Make sure to schedule personal check-in calls with your volunteers to make sure they have everything they need to do their very best work for your organization.
With tools like email marketing, text, and more, you can easily stay in touch with remote volunteers and provide them with the information they need to know. 2. Provide a range of volunteer opportunities One of the greatest benefits of virtual volunteer opportunities is that a wide range of volunteers can participate from all over the world with varying skill levels and qualifications. In order to attract and harness the full potential of online volunteers, it’s important to offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities (such as offering digital marketing assistance or promoting an online petition) that your supporters can choose from based on their interests, skills, and personal schedule. To get started, simply create these volunteer opportunities in your volunteer management system and share them through your social media, website, and email channels. Then, volunteers can easily review and sign up for the opportunities that work best for them. This empowers volunteers to make the best decisions for themselves, while reducing the administrative workload of foundationmag.ca
