Behind the Scenes: Real Stories of Volunteer Engagement in the Community - Part 1

• September 12, 2024

  Posted by: Kamillah El-Giadaa

  Introducing a new series where we catch up with participants from our Volunteer Management Essentials workshop to explore how the skills and knowledge they've gained are helping them thrive in their roles.

  From engaging new volunteers to improving program efficiency, these stories highlight the real impact of our workshop and the vital role volunteer engagers play in our communities.

  Our first interview is with Roman Shukh from the Golden Rule Seniors Resource Centre in South Osborne. His centre is entirely volunteer-run, and after attending our workshop last fall, Roman has applied new strategies that have had a major impact on his team and the services they provide.

  Here is our full interview with Roman!

  1. What did you find most valuable about the Volunteer Management Essentials workshop?

  Roman: The most valuable aspect of the Volunteer Management Essentials workshop was the opportunity to learn from the experiences of other volunteer managers working in larger organizations. Hearing real-life examples of how to handle challenging situations with volunteers was incredibly insightful. Additionally, the collaborative environment of the online class allowed for productive brainstorming sessions, where we could solve problems together and generate innovative ideas. This exchange of knowledge and practical advice was instrumental in enhancing my understanding and approach to volunteer management.

  2. Which session or topic of the workshop was your favourite, and why?

  Roman: The session on the selection and onboarding of volunteers was particularly impactful for me. I gained a deeper understanding of best practices for enrolling volunteers, recognizing that not everyone is suited for this role. Ensuring the safety and effectiveness of my Seniors Centre requires selecting the most suitable and compassionate individuals. The workshop also improved my interview techniques; helping me prepare better questions for potential volunteers. Moreover, I refined our volunteer job descriptions and created detailed task descriptions for each activity at the Centre. This clarity allows new volunteers to seamlessly integrate and understand their responsibilities, enhancing overall efficiency.

  3. What advice would you give to someone attending this workshop for the first time?

  Roman: I would advise first-time attendees to come prepared with a list of questions and areas they want to improve in their organization. Identifying specific challenges and concerns related to volunteer management beforehand allows you to focus on finding solutions during the course. Take detailed notes and be proactive in seeking answers from the course material, fellow participants, and the facilitator. Engage actively in discussions, as other volunteer managers may face similar issues. By collaborating and sharing insights, you contribute to collective problem-solving, which ultimately benefits the wider community and the services we provide to Canadians.

  4. How has this workshop changed your perspective on volunteer management?

  Roman: The workshop significantly transformed my perspective on volunteer management. I gained confidence in recruiting volunteers and learned how to create effective volunteer schedules and allocate tasks efficiently. This new approach enabled me to enroll a record number of volunteers in March and April, forming a large, cohesive team of about 20 individuals. Together, we successfully promoted our organization and increased our monthly participant count to 300. This achievement was a major success for our small organization, and it garnered positive feedback from our Board of Directors and the Resource Coordinator. Now, I can accurately plan volunteer needs, assign tasks, and motivate volunteers more effectively. My view on volunteer management is now broader, more flexible, and clearer, and I find greater enjoyment in my role.

  Thank you, Roman!

  Thanks to Roman, at Golden Rule Seniors Resource Centre, for taking the time for the interview! So interesting to hear how the Volunteer Management Essentials workshop impacted the work he does.

  Watch for more interviews with Volunteer Engagers in our Non-Profit Community!

  Register for the Volunteer Management Essentials workshop here!

Read More Blog Entries