Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Welcome to Week 1

The power point on canvas provided you with several questions to think about. Select two of the questions to answer on this blog.  Please use the comment box below.

Examples (but not limited to):
Have you experienced any of the "Seismic Shift" in volunteerism?
 Do  you use the "Dating Method" to recruit volunteers?
What examples of volunteer recruitment - good or bad - can you share with the class.

In addition read the following and provide your thoughts
Trends in Volunteerism
Micro-Volunteering:Volunteerism 2.0

Once you post, feel free to come back and visit and respond to others - this should be an open dialogue for the class to share ideas and hear stories.


9 comments:

  1. After reading the first few chapters and the articles on this blog. I have realized that I am in the 'micro volunteering' spectrum. I want to volunteer my time to organizations that I have similar values to - but I can't devote lots of time to them. So micro volunteering works great for me. A little bit here and a little bit there can add up. Thoughts?

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  2. Reading the first few chapters made me realize I am definitely a new generation of volunteer. I'm a person who likes to volunteer when I know I'm not tied down. If I can give a little here and there that fit my strengths then I am more willing to help out. I have also noticed that when I have trying to get people to help out with FFA judging teams, using the dating method works much more. When I have asked people if they can help every week they turn me down. when I ask for help for once or twice they are more willing to give an hour or two. This dating processes of recruiting will be something I use a lot more in my training of judging teams.

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  3. Becki, I totally am in the same boat as you. I admire those who can devote countless hours to a cause; I like to dabble in this and that, giving what I can in many areas. "Micro Volunteering" is a perfect term used to describe the shift in volunteering in modern times. I love the flexibility of not having to commit countless and inconvenient hours into things I believe in. That is one major seismic shift discussed in the text that I have experienced. It used to be that if you volunteered for an organization, it could easily consume your life. The shift to micro volunteering is happening.

    For me, a few things to discuss on the "second date" with possible volunteers is to, as McKee suggests, ask for their help. Then tell them what the needs of the organization are. Another crucial aspect is to clarify expectations and roles of the volunteer.

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  4. What an eye opening topic this has been to read and disucss. I never really thought about techniques to recruit people for volunteering. In the beginning text reading, the story about Alissa and David, I definitely would have fallen into a "David" scenario. I am very structured and like to have all the "slots" filled. Reading the text made me realize you have to take what you can get and not expect everything the first time!

    I was also interested in the concept of allowing people to volunteer with their strengths, not what you necessarily need them to do. That is almost a "duh" thought, but I would have the tendency to ask people to do what I need filled, not necessarily have things so open and let them fill in the holes. I can see the concept of letting people do what they love and are good at and share those talents with your organization.

    I also liked the concept of the first date. I laughed reading the analogy about the first date and the car salesman; very funny! They are so right saying people really don't have a lot of time to volunteer. But if you give them a taste and they like it, they will be back. I always say, if you like something you will always make time for that in your day.

    This has really got me thinking and I'm excited to read more about how to make a successful volunteer program.

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  5. Kathleen Fortune
    This has been an interesting read so far...I am not of the generation @, but do fall into that group when it comes to volunteering. I have the desire to do it, but lack the time.

    The ideas of the "new breed of volunteer" were very good. By being able to micro-volunteer, you still have the feeling of contributing to something beneficial, but aren't constricted to time slots and assignment.

    One thought I had while reading, was the experience I had this past year, being a "reading helper" in my son's first grade class. I was assigned a day of the week, with a set time...sometimes it wasn't always convenient...and honestly, I was looking forward to the end of the school year and the end of my commitment. However, my thought was... how would or could a teacher, who needs to keep a set schedule for students (especially in the younger grades)adopt some of these philosophies of the "new breed of volunteer"? The teacher counted on "helpers" being there every day...and when only one or none would show up...it really put a strain on the program.

    I guess it all comes down to flexibility...in every program, where volunteers are the driving force, there has to be flexibility. I was especially impressed with how Alissa handled the volunteer recruitment...she got them to take a taste, and they discovered they liked it, and were then committed.

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  6. I am definitely not a micro volunteer! I tend to find something I like and spend the time I can in that area. In my life it may also be the fear that comes along with new people and volunteer jobs. I love the concept of micro volunteering, but it is not for me as a volunteer. I will however use it as a leader to get a few more different types of people to help in the events that I am in charge of.
    I have noticed a trend getting away from the words volunteering and community services as was discussed in the Changing vocabulary article. My colleagues and I always joke with one another as we are at the school way past contract time that we have put in our community service for the day. It makes me feel better about life as opposed to counting up my hours worked and figuring out that I am making $1.50 per hour!

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  7. After reading the chapters and articles, I can see both sides of the volunteerism picture. I have been a leader and a volunteer and understand both the frustrations and the rewards. As a leader, I have found it challanging to provide the guidance needed with the different generations. The one thing I have found that helps with the enthusiasm is the idea to focus on the talents and skills the individual or group has to offer. I incorporate several service activities with my students every year. Most of the them talk about it for months and years later. The reason is they are volunteering with organizations that have the same interest and desires they have.

    The past 3 days, I have been involved with the evacuation and bringing back of animals from the Herriman fire. Unfortunately, this has not been the first time. This happened 2 years ago also. An all call went out to the people involved with Ching Farm Large Animal Sanctuary. Voluneers came out of the wood work. The problem was there was no leadership to help guide and give direction. People wanted to help, but did not know how to be the most effective for the situation.

    I agree that with the Dating method. Give them small amounts of time or assignments and build up them. The most important, is to show continually show your appreciation for the time and effort put forth from the volunteer.

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  8. Josh Dallin

    This all has been so much fun to dive into and to read! I just recently was hired to work for the State 4-H office. One of my first assignments has been to recruit volunteers to help with our big Centennial celebration that is coming up this month. Our organization could not and would not function without volunteers. It has been so interesting to actually see the different approaches that my colleagues have taken to invite different volunteers to participate.

    Having seen some different tactics, I really have liked what the dating method has to offer. I have seen some people trying to use what I would call "speed dating" and diving into inviting volunteers to come and take on pretty heavy tasks for a full important day. Most of these people are leery to come not knowing what to really expect.

    I really have noticed that when volunteers are asked only to come and try something for a small amount of time, or are given a small assignment, they are prone to be more willing and able to participate. I believe that with volunteerism "slow and steady wins the race". If someone has a terrible, long, and boring experience their first time out volunteering, they are going to be less prone to ever recommit to coming back a second time.

    Dr. Lawver, I am totally like you when it comes to being a part of the 'micro volunteering' spectrum. I think that we all live in a world today where a lot of us have full time jobs. It is not easy to have a somewhat "functional" family when you factor in working, running errands, eating, sleeping ( or trying to), and lets not forget all of the kids activities. Trying to fit in a full day of service can almost seem impossible and sometimes is impossible. I really love the idea and often find myself being available an hour here or there to help in any way possible. I really love some of the examples in the article of assigning people things to do that can be accomplished on their own time. As Kathleen mentioned above, and I couldn't agree more, flexibility is key to this new age of volunteerism.

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  9. I would have to say that I am a new generation of volunteer. I love to volunteer my time WHEN AND WHERE I can.. but that is often the problem. I do not have the time needed to devote to a program.
    This summer I have volunteered to be in charge of the youth horse program here in the County. It has really helped me to recognize the amount of time that has to be put into different activities. But also the difficulty of finding willing volunteers. Like many of you have mentioned, people are busy and like to have guided direction as to what needs to be done. It is much easier to get parents to volunteer because they have a child in the program, they feel that it is bettering their child, making them more willing to invest time into it. But there is still a challenge with parents volunteering, they like to have direction and be told what tasks need to be done rather than just finding what needs to be done and doing it.

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