In recent years there has been increased attention directed towards volunteer staffing in both non-profit and for-profit organizations.   The increased attention has largely been focused on the appropriate selection, orientation, and recognition of volunteers.  

The daily management of the volunteer program, which includes addressing personnel issues, is another very important, but often overlooked, aspect of volunteer management.   The manner in which administrators address personnel issues involving volunteers may be similar to the process followed for paid staff.   However, many organization administrators who work with volunteers are finding that they need additional guidance and support when addressing personnel issues with volunteers.

This resource provides a step-by-step process that may be helpful when working through volunteer issues.   Originally developed for use in a Cooperative Extension setting, the suggestions are applicable regardless of the organization.   The document is not written to replace existing organization procedures, but rather to serve as a resource for organizations not having procedures or to enhance existing procedures.   Administrators who desire to implement suggestions contained within this document are encouraged to consult their organizational legal counsel and human resource leader.

Objectives

This document is intended for volunteer managers who are addressing issues associated with the behavior of volunteers.   More specifically, the document:

•  Outlines an overview of one process to use when addressing volunteer behaviors;
•  Provides suggested questions and situations to consider when managers of volunteers are addressing volunteer behaviors;
•  Communicates appropriate actions to take by the manager of volunteers; and
•  Provides resources to assist with the documentation of volunteer behaviors.

For more information, please contact:

Website reviewers:

Jenny Jordan

University of Georgia

Extension 4-H Specialist, Volunteer & Teen Program

Patrick Nestor, Ed. D.

West Virginia University
Program Leader, Volunteer Development

Extension Specialist- Volunteer Leadership