My question is about utilizing other orginization as possible visitations. I find in my own volunteering; I feel great to visit another org. And then come home to the first org. It’s like finding your center for even further success. What are your thoughs?

Wow! I agree that we are all likely in agreement as this discussion has transpired. I really like the 3-stages of a volunteer that you referenced. Thanks for your contribution.

Note: It is interesting that Beth is encouraging the conversation from “behind the scenes.” I agree that Beth Kanter and VolunteerMatch rock!

Beth asked me to expand on the comments I posted on the Realized Worth page (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/Realizedworth) when I linked to this article. My comment was this: “Rob’s article was good, especially his observation that observation that ‘fear’ of new ideas can easily cripple a nonprofit’s ability to network.”

I also commented that there were a couple of points I disagreed with – which is why Beth asked for some clarification.

Actually, if Rob and I were in a conversation, I’m not entirely sure that we would disagree at all. It’s hard to cover all the nuances that might be involved in topics via a quick blog. Roger Carr’s comment above regarding Rob’s first point (‘Needs Assessment’) is a perfect example. I agree with Roger. When nonprofits prioritize their needs over those of the volunteers, it’s easy to; 1) treat all volunteers the same; 2) use volunteers as a means to an end (short term), instead of seeing them as partners in achieving the nonprofit’s goals (long term); and 3) utilizing volunteers as ‘staff support’, which I think is exactly the opposite of what the structure should be.

Here’s the thing; I know Beth agrees with that (right???) and so does Rob. In fact Rob clarifies his point in the above comments stating that nonprofits must begin the process with what they know they need. True enough. Yet, any volunteer coordinator worth his/her salt should also know why people volunteer with their organizations and seek to structure a program that addresses those needs as well – even before they walk through the door.

So I think a ‘Needs Assessment’ should include 3 Horizons; a) community, b) nonprofit, and c) volunteers. Begin with the overlap between those three circles, and then create agreements to grow further. This is certainly what Beth alludes to in her vision of the Networked Nonprofit.

Fundamentally, I think the ‘Screening’ step is a guaranteed bottleneck (at best) or an impregnable barrier (at worst). Although necessary and prudent for many organizations, I believe that requiring screening and orientation for newbie volunteers is a deterrent. Again, I think it’s due to our tendency (laziness?) to treat all volunteers the same. They are not the same. People showing up for the first time shouldn’t be placed within roles that require such risk management. They should be offered an experience and the opportunity to discover if this volunteering role is right for them. If nonprofits ever hope to achieve what Beth describes as organizations that are ‘easy for outsiders to get in and insiders to get out’ then this popular ‘Fortress’ attribute has to be utilized correctly.

We encourage businesses and nonprofits alike to structure their programs with the understanding that volunteers move through 3 Stages http://bit.ly/9GEvc8. Embracing this approach dismantles some of the most significant barriers facing would-be volunteers today, and meets everyone at ‘their highest level of contribution’.

I want to emphasis again that I am a big fan of Beth’s and I think she’s out in front when it comes to shaping the next evolution of volunteerism. Rob’s work via VolunteerMatch is exceptional and one of the best tools available to mobilize people to volunteer.

Chris

Roger Carr – I totally agree, but a nonprofit can only assess needs it knows it has, right? When the right volunteer (or corporate group for that matter) walks in the door with a refreshing idea and a great skill-set, a networked nonprofit could be well situated to give the support they’ll need to truly contribute and succeed.

Erica, Erica (two Ericas!) – Thank you! I plan to explore this further in coming months on the VolunteerMatch blog, Engaging Volunteers (http://blogs.volunteermatch.org/engagingvolunteers). I feel like I’m just getting started. There’s lots more to talk about, especially in areas of retention and day-to-day collaboration.

I appreciate the challenge some organizations will have moving from a fortress model to a networked nonprofit model. Your suggestions will help take steps in the right direction.

The only issue I have with your set of methods is they assume the nonprofit is going to define needs and then determine if each volunteer can help meet those needs. However, sometimes the volunteer has more experience than the VC and their nonprofit leaders. The volunteer might also have skills not considered, but would be a major contribution in forwarding the mission of the organization. When considering the more experienced volunteers, I believe the volunteer needs to be a part of defining the area of work and allowed some independence in supporting the nonprofit. Yes, this will scare organizations that want CONTROL. But if this is not done, the organization will be limiting the impact that is made.