Volunteers - Help or hindrance?
Coporate volunteering in particular has traditionally been associated with team building and that means the charity gets an offer of a group of volunteers, often for a day or even half a day. Sometimes this is offered on one particular day of the year. Many charities don't like to turn down an offer of help, but usually there is little strategic thinking about how to use the help. Physical activities ae the norm - grab a paintbrush, hammer a  few nails. What else can you do with 20 or 30 people who don't know anything about you and what your mission really is?

My suggestion of a New Year's resolution is to be more strategic. At least be more proactive. Create a strategy around volunteering. Prepare yourself for the day when 20 people come knocking. Instead of waiting - get yourself in front of the banks, the financial companies etc who do this sort of thing and  make your requirements known. Set up a challenging activity for volunteers. Think outside the box. Can your volunteers train you with their expertise? Could they fundraise on your behalf? Could they do something that you currently pay for? Could they do something in the community rather than at your office? Could they sell something? Could they organise an event? What about speed teaching, one on one with your own staff or your clients?

The secret is to make it fun and achieveable in a short period of time. Consider carefully what the corporate partner wants to get out of it. Make a pitch, well in advance of the date. Create a special event and give it a name. Fun and exciting is more attractive than hot and heavy tasks. Make it relevant to their expertise.  Ensure that the volunteers will go away with some great memories they can share with friends.

From your perspective you want it to be a lasting relationship with mutual benefits for both parties.

Whatever you choose to do with your volunteers, make sure the thank you is sincere and that their work is appreciated by the CEO and board. Make sure you get their names for certificates of appreciation. Get them on your mailing lists. Take photos and send a picture and article to their corporate communications team. Write a media release for your local paper. Do something unexpected for them and they will come back next year.