Volunteer Retention

Ian Wilhelm’s recent article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy affirmed the problem non-profits face related to the dwindling number of Americans who donate their time to charity.

According to Wilhelm, the number of Americans donating time to charity dropped last year, for the first time in four years.
Wilhelm also noted research studies that have demonstrated, one out of three persons who donates time to volunteering during a given year, do not return the following year to offer their services.

A recent National Conference based in Philadelphia, attended by leaders in the non-profit sector and volunteers, attempted to offer some possible solutions to preventing volunteers from dropping out of programs. Ideas to address and counter the challenge of the rising volunteer drop out rate, ranged from an effort on the part of administrators in following up with volunteers via phone, matching volunteers with projects suited to their skills level, and working harder to provide a meaningful experience for the volunteers.

Although these strategies appear to be progressive, it is also up to the individual persons volunteering to be assertive and make their issues known to administrators.

Volunteer experiences should be able to provide persons with the opportunity to grow in their chosen fields.
Volunteers should try to do a thorough investigation before selecting an organization to get involved in. Administrators should be made aware by the volunteer, of the their expertise and skills level, and volunteers need to inquire about the typical projects they will working on after being appointed as a volunteer- to make a more informed decision as whether or not, to continue in the application process.

Potential volunteers can try to be flexible in terms of accepting assignments they may be over qualified for, but at the same time make their goals clear from the onset. Are they volunteering to gain experience in a chosen field? or to generally pitch in and offer a hand?

By stating goals and expectations up front, potential volunteers will be making an investment in obtaining a more rewarding volunteer experience, and cutting down on getting involved in situations that are not beneficial.

One Temple University student asserted volunteers will continue to return to their posts, if the organizations work toward helping to make their experiences more meaningful, in the long run. The student proposed non-profit organizations investigate what their college student volunteers are studying, in order to weave their areas of interest into particualr volunteer assignments.

The key to a rewarding volunteer experience appears to be based on clear communication, and continuing dialouge on the part of administrators and volunteers.