A volunteer is not just for Christmas

It is 44 years since the iconic slogan ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ was launched by the Dog’s Trust.  Back in 1978, when the charity was called the National Canine Defence League, Clarissa Baldwin, (who became chief executive in 1986), was asked to create a slogan that would raise awareness at a time when thousands of people were buying puppies as Christmas presents without realising the commitment required, resulting in animals being abandoned in the New Year.

Maybe there’s an analogy here as more people may be considering giving time to volunteer, as the season makes many think about those less fortunate than themselves or they are motivated by their values and beliefs.  However, you may find that despite the festive rise in volunteers, soon those numbers will dwindle once again.  It can be frustrating to have a flurry of requests that you can’t fulfil or have expectations and services lost as people drop away. So how do you keep volunteers coming back after the generosity that the festive season provides? 

Some of the disappointment people face may stem from a misunderstanding of volunteering.  Some may think that just because they are offering their time, the organisation will make use of it.  While this is largely true, voluntary organisations are professional bodies and they have a range of tasks that need to be completed.  While volunteering should be less formal and more fun than paid work, it needs to be well organised, and this often involves planning ahead, induction, training and safeguarding etc. - and time and effort to support volunteers.  This can make it harder for a volunteer manager to find activities for someone who only wants to volunteer for one day, especially if that’s Christmas Day!  It’s often possible and can be productive if planned, but alternatively may not always be entirely worthwhile for the organisation or the volunteer.  What organisations are really looking for is ongoing support.  So is a short term one off contribution less valuable than someone who can give a day a month for the entire year?  Are some donations of time more useful and if so, how can you maximise on this interest?

Because volunteering isn’t just for Christmas.

There is something magical about volunteering at Christmas time but I imagine that you are promoting opportunities throughout the year.  So if you’re lucky enough to have a flurry of interest at this time of year, maybe you could:

• Take notice of trends. The way we volunteer is changing. The past few years have seen the rise of micro volunteering – that is volunteering in short, sharp bursts, often facilitated by the internet.  Many major charities now have apps or Twitter alerts that act as rallying calls to supporters to come and help out at short notice; putting out tables for a collection, manning a stall or shaking collection buckets.  Can you offer a family volunteering opportunity when people prioritise family time?
• The commitment conundrum.  Make processes and roles flexible so those who want to give time, but don’t feel able to commit long term and regularly, can also feel involved.  Recognise that traditional formal volunteering is much less popular and volunteers will be more and less involved as and when their lives permit.
• Plan ahead. Can you consider some short term activities in advance, to be ready for interest?  Could this be a way to introduce them to your cause and show them how valued their time would be?  Can you accommodate a group of corporate volunteers that could start a relationship from that company?
• Be clear on your website.  Say what you can offer and what you can’t, to avoid turning people away – and instead …
• Offer alternatives.  Rather than time, can you suggest other ways to donate?  They can still feel like they’ve done something good and it’s another way to start building a relationship with someone new.
• Find out who does offer Christmas volunteering. So you can signpost to others and share the love.  If people really want to make a difference, maybe recommend that they make a New Year's resolution to contact their local volunteer centre.  January is a great opportunity for thinking of doing something new and to make resolutions that build on that initial willingness to help.  They will find that there are plenty of groups in their local community who are desperate for help all year round.  Now follows a shameless plug for the OurGateshead website as a way of advertising and finding volunteer opportunities!  
• Ask them to come back. Have some information on your organisation’s work, possible role descriptions, mailing lists and contact information ready to give out and invite them back asap in the new year. 

Capitalise on the buzz from helping as there will still be plenty of work to do once the trees and tinsel have been put away for another year!

 

What about your current volunteers?

Recruitment is good, but retention is better.  We see the spirit of kindness of volunteers all the time and so we should be saying thank you, often, and although I’m sure that you value your volunteers throughout the year - it’s coming up to Christmas - and therefore the perfect time to acknowledge what they do during the whole year. 

Whilst cards and gifts will be well received, many volunteers may not want an organisation to go to a lot of expense, using up resources that otherwise need to go to the service, project or cause (especially in the midst of the cost of living crisis).  A personal message of thanks - perhaps from senior management and/or a beneficiary is a nice gesture.  Most people feel good from doing what they do, but simple acknowledgement that they are making a difference really counts.

It’s not just what you say; it’s also how you say it that matters when you’re expressing appreciation for your volunteers this Christmas. Keep these three principles in mind:

• Be real. Your gratitude needs to be sincere and heartfelt. Don’t do it for any ulterior motive, and don’t just use it to get them to volunteer again. Be genuinely grateful for your volunteers’ time and effort.
• Be specific. Say exactly what you appreciate about the person’s service and the impact they have had.  Even if you may have large numbers of volunteers and struggle to individually thank each one, make your gratitude as personal as possible.
• Be consistent. Your volunteers aren’t just with you during the festive period. Make your appreciation a habit. Let the Christmas season be a time when you make a new commitment to consistently show how much you appreciate your volunteers.
• Be aware of other cultural and religious celebrations.  There may be other times during the year that are important to your volunteers.  Embrace the ‘attitude of gratitude’ not only this holiday season, but beyond.

The most precious reciprocal volunteer gift, is the gift of time and attention. So instead of reaching for the default mug or other organisationally-branded item, take a moment to consider what your volunteer ‘gifts’ could be this year.  Gifts that show the incredible contribution and impact of your volunteers, and how much you care.  Gifts that make your volunteers feel special and are more likely to enhance their loyalty to your organisation beyond a Christmas gesture of goodwill.

• An end of year thank you event including a presentation with quotes and videos from those who have benefited from and enjoyed working with volunteers.  Talk about the impact and value of your volunteers from throughout the last year.
• Handwritten Christmas cards that say thank you.
• A Volunteer Thank You Christmas Tree.  A paper tree cut out on the wall and decorated with Post-it notes (star-shaped even better!) that talk about how wonderful your volunteers are, with staff and beneficiaries also invited to add their thoughts and thanks to the tree.

As we continue to feel the repercussions from Covid and now the cost of living crisis, the conscious decision to do something to effect change is perhaps more prevalent than ever.  Christmas is a time for giving and this is a reminder to us all as to why our role as volunteer professionals is so important: not only as a means to serve the organisations we work for, but as ambassadors who continue to shine the light on the issues that deeply affect communities, those who are homeless, queuing for food - and all the other ways in which we support volunteers who in turn support those most in need. 

So here's to the joy of giving, and a season that's as beautiful as it is meaningful.

If YOU can come up with a new slogan for volunteering, have any Christmas volunteering opportunities you’d like us to promote, or creative ideas we can share for celebrating volunteers at Christmas let us know at volunteering@connectedvoice.org.uk.