Treat Your Volunteers Right
Help. We all need it from time to time. This is never truer than when you are planning a big event.
It would be nearly impossible to plan a charity fitness event without a big group of smiling people ready to be at your beck and call. In the midst of the madness called planning, it can be easy to overlook just how important they are.
Sure, part of being a volunteer is being ready to work in whatever area needed and to work hard. I think that is what we all know we sign up for as a volunteer. However, we are all human and to be appreciated is a wonderful feeling.
If you find yourself in charge of volunteers in any situation be sure to always express your appreciation. Here are a few ways that you can make a volunteer feel as though they are a valuable part of the program.
Ask nicely. If people would describe you with any of these words – organized, planner, leader – then it is important to take note. I fit all three and from personal experience when things start getting hectic it is easy to get a bit bossy. Of course we don’t mean to. We just get caught up in the moment. Remember to ask your volunteers to do tasks in the friendliest manner possible. If you are pleasant to be around during events it is much more likely they will return in future years and maybe bring some helpful friends with them.
Get their input. Gather your volunteers early and make them part of the planning process. I’ve been on both ends of the event planning spectrum. It is not a good feeling as a volunteer to not be involved in any planning and to have no idea what to do on the big day. Ask them to contribute ideas that will make the event the most successful.
Take an interest. When you are dealing with a group of volunteers you typically have a wide variety of expertise available to you. Ask your volunteers what area they would like to work in such as refreshments, registration or prize distribution. Yes, sometimes you will know them well enough to know where you need their expertise, but it is good to get input so that you are not giving someone a job they will absolutely loath.
Remember their sacrifice. As a planner, organizing the event and seeing it through may be part of your job. It is important to remember that this isn’t always the case with volunteers. They may be sacrificing their time or something more important to help out. Just remember this and let it show through in your actions of gratitude.
At least give ‘em a t-shirt. I remember one race I helped plan when the primary coordinator was really tight with the budget. When it came time to order t-shirts a few extras for the volunteers was the first thing to nix from the list. Personally, I thought this was a poor decision. If you have people giving you their time and efforts the least you can do is give them something as simple as a t-shirt or whatever item your registrants are receiving. Oh, and let them have some of the extra refreshments too. Often times pulling off a successful event can be more exhausting than actually participating in it!
This is great, and something we should all remember. There are definitely a few races I wouldn’t have finished were it not for some great volunteers cheering me on.
As someone who has been an organizer, volunteer, and participant in events of all kinds, not just athletic fundraisers, I want to say thanks for your insights. Much of the time volunteers put in many more hours than participants, and when you’ve been working 14-hour days for a week to get things in place, it’s always gratifying to know that someone appreciates your efforts. If you’re a runner, walker, cyclist, or other participant in an event, say thanks to the guy who holds the traffic back at the intersection and smile at the nice person who hands you a cup of water. It will make their days brighter — and yours too.
@Jennifer – Those along the course are definitely great for that extra motivation!
@Marilyn – What great advice for how to show your appreciation as a participant. Thanks!
No t-shirts for the volunteers – that’s not right!
I got through my first century (100 mile) bike ride 3 years ago thanks to all the volunteers. With just about 1/4 mile to go, going up hill, no energy left, I was ready to get off my bike and walk across the finish line. Came around the last turn and was greeted by all the Team in Training volunteers clanging their cow bells and yelling – GO TEAM!!!! It was awesome, and I beat my husband across the finish line – even better!
Get their input. Gather your volunteers early and make them part of the planning process. I’ve been on both ends of the event planning spectrum. It is not a good feeling as a volunteer to not be involved in any planning and to have no idea what to do on the big day. Ask them to contribute ideas that will make the event the most successful.
Remember their sacrifice. As a planner, organizing the event and seeing it through may be part of your job. It is important to remember that this isn’t always the case with volunteers. They may be sacrificing their time or something more important to help out. Just remember this and let it show through in your actions of gratitude.