15 Engagement The Personalized Volunteer Journey: One Size Fits None Too often, volunteers are a list of names, a field in the database, or, at worst, a check box in the member profile. It’s time to recognize that each volunteer is unique, with their own motivations, skills, and availability. Develop a personalized volunteer journey map that guides individuals from initial interest to long-term engagement. Think of it as a “choose-your-own- adventure” opportunity. Use data and feedback to tailor opportunities, appreciation, and communication to each volunteer’s preferences. It’s not rocket science, but it might just feel like it compared to our current approach. With awareness of opportunity, appreciation of impact, measure of benefit, and the potential of recognition—volunteers will give their time and expertise! Intergenerational Volunteer Teams: Because Age Is Just a Number Stop pigeonholing volunteers based on their age. Yes, our Gen Z volunteers are probably better at TikTok, and our Boomers might have more board experience. But the magic happens when we bring these diverse perspectives together. Please stop relegating you’re your young members to “Emerging Leaders Councils” or asking them to coordinate the community service projects. Create intergenerational volunteer teams that leverage the strengths of each cohort. Pair the tech-savvy of any age with seasoned industry veterans. Implement reverse mentoring programs. The resulting knowledge transfer and innovation will make you wonder why we ever segregated volunteers by age in the first place. In addition to what they can contribute, the age of a volunteer, or more importantly, where they are in their career or life journey, will help determine what they expect and need from the volunteer experience. Don’t presume all volunteers under 30 want the same thing. Ask and listen to volunteers (and members, for that matter) of all ages. Micro Volunteering for Them, with the Help of Technology News flash: Not everyone has time for a year-long or multiyear committee commitment. Shocking, I know. Enter micro-volunteering. Is it the answer to everything? No. But these bite-sized opportunities allow volunteers to contribute in meaningful ways without sacrificing their firstborn or their sanity. Think 30-minute virtual mentoring sessions, one-hour content reviews, or quick social media takeovers. By offering a variety of micro-volunteering options, you can tap into a whole new pool of talented individuals who might have otherwise passed on traditional volunteer roles. In the end, however, it still comes back to what volunteers get out of giving. It’s not just about smaller chunks of time or effort. You need to demonstrate a benefit no matter the size of the ask, especially if you want them to come back and play an even larger role in the future. Micro volunteering is made more possible and impactful through technology. By embracing digital tools and creating tech-savvy positions, associations can provide meaningful experiences that match modern volunteers’ skills, ensuring more efficient use of the volunteers’ time and amplifying their impact. The Revolution Starts Now It’s time for a revolution in how we engage, empower, and elevate our volunteers. By building a culture of radical selflessness and focusing on the volunteers’ motivations, expectations, and skillsets, you can transform your volunteer program from a necessary evil into a dynamic engine of organizational success. Most importantly, the volunteers must get something out of it. They deserve to! In turn, they’ll want to do more, they’ll share their positive experience with others, and they will become more successful as individuals, members, and potential leaders. The future of our association depends on it. No pressure or anything. Elisa Pratt, MA, CAE, CVF [[email protected]], is an association antagonist and expert in strategic nonprofit solutions that increase membership, diversify revenue, and ensure relevance. Prior to the founding of Brewer Pratt Solutions, LLC, she served for nearly 25 years as an impactful association management executive with several national trade and individual membership associations. Known for her candid and hyper-custom approach, Elisa architects innovative engagement solutions, tactical member development campaigns, and operational effectiveness strategies. With a unique background in fundraising and advocacy, membership and stakeholder relations, as well as national and chapter operations, Elisa’s diverse expertise makes her a valuable partner and advisor to both national and international non-profit clients.
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