Even if you believe in a nonprofit’s mission and want to make a difference, there are a number of considerations you would be wise to keep in mind.
April is National Volunteer Month, where volunteers are appreciated for their services to their communities.
You want to be in a nonprofit where, on an ongoing basis and not just once a year:
✅ Your time and expertise are valued
✅ Your efforts are appreciated
✅ Your achievements are recognized
Red flags that indicate you should not volunteer:
❌ The executive director and board don’t agree on the nonprofit’s goals and priorities
❌ The boundaries between the roles of the executive director and board aren’t clear
❌ The board members aren’t working together to ensure the nonprofit’s success
❌ The nonprofit is having trouble finding and keeping staff and volunteers
Volunteers are the lifeblood of nonprofits. Most nonprofits can’t operate their programs and serve their clients without volunteers.
So, when you make a decision to volunteer for a nonprofit, make sure that:
✅ Volunteers are considered and treated as important contributors
✅ Your responsibilities and expectations are well defined
✅ The resources you need to do your job will be available
✅ The board won’t be micromanaging your work
However, if there is tension between the executive director and the board of the nonprofit, or within the board itself, maybe it’s better if you reconsider volunteering your time, talent, and energy.
P.S. If you are a volunteer, thank you for your commitment. Does your nonprofit recognize and appreciate you?
May your learning be sweet,
Deborah
#volunteer #nonprofit #hrmanagers #trainingdirectors #laurelandassociates
