How to Build a Strong Volunteer Program

Join The Chronicle of Philanthropy and nonprofit experts to learn how your charity can build a strong volunteer program that reduces operating costs, expands its reach, and attracts supporters, including big business.

You'll hear from the training director of New York Cares, a group that mobilizes more than 60,000 New Yorkers for volunteer efforts throughout New York City, and provides volunteer-management training courses to nonprofits citywide so they can better manage unpaid workers. Jaime Denniston-Merced will explain the fundamentals, including how to recruit volunteers, screen and interview them, and acknowledge their good works to keep them loyal, so they'll return often.

You'll also learn how the Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado doubled its volunteers in just three years and is now using volunteers to carry out vital jobs within the organization. Amber Cote, volunteer director, will explain why a successful program must ensure that volunteers advance the business interests of the organization, have support at all levels, and include job descriptions that clearly define every volunteer role. She'll stress the importance of developing a long-term strategy for volunteers and explain why her organization doesn't make it a priority to increase the number of volunteers and instead focuses on the quality of the experience.

What Will You Learn?
How to attract and engage volunteers who will advance your mission
How to develop a structured recognition program to retain volunteers
How to manage diverse volunteers from corporate employees to faith-based volunteers to baby boomers with valuable skills

Who Should Attend?
Directors and managers of volunteer programs
Executive directors and development directors
Other fundraising professionals or program staff who help manage volunteers

Originally Aired: May 28, 2015

This webinar is worth one CFRE credit.