Are Your Volunteers Ready to Represent?

First impressions matter.

I recently became a member of a local arts organization and was excited about getting involved. Unexpectedly, on my first day, I was greeted by a volunteer who seemed annoyed that I rang the bell to enter the building. There was no greeting—just a quick return to mopping the floor after letting me in. Another volunteer nearby was absorbed in their computer and didn’t seem to be interested in welcoming anyone.

This experience made me question if I made the right decision to be a member. There are plenty of other nonprofit arts organizations where I could pay dues, but I chose this one because of the previous good experiences I’d had many years ago, its reputation and proximity.

To be fair, this is a small nonprofit with only one full-time and one part-time staff. Anyone who’s worked in a smaller nonprofit understands the challenges of trying to do it all with limited resources and capacity. All the more reason to develop a strong “culture of philanthropy.”

Volunteers are the heartbeat of many nonprofits, especially those with limited resources. They often serve as the face of the organization, engaging with the community, supporting events, and delivering crucial services. But to truly maximize their impact, volunteers need proper training.

Training isn’t just about equipping them with the skills to do their tasks effectively; it’s about instilling a sense of purpose, aligning them with the organization’s mission, values and fostering a culture of philanthropy.

Some things to consider when training volunteers:

Tip 1: - Have clear responsibilities for each volunteer role.

Clarity is key! Share a job description with expectations of each position. Be sure to cover why their role is important to your nonprofit.

Tip 2: - Empower your volunteers.

Provide them with any tools they will need to be successful. This can be a volunteer handbook, job description or a tour of the space.

Tip 3: - Provide your volunteer with a point of contact.

This can be a volunteer mentor, coordinator, someone at your organization who can answer their questions and recognize them for all their great work they're doing at your nonprofit.

Tip 4: - Seek input!

Ask your volunteer(s) what can be improved in future volunteer trainings. It’s always a good idea to survey your volunteers annually with the intention of improving their experience at your nonprofit.

Tip 5: - Share the benefits of volunteering.

Don’t forget to talk about the benefits of being a volunteer with your organization. Do they get to see shows for free, invitation to the annual volunteer recognition lunch or free access to your gallery. What are the perks at your nonprofit?

Are your volunteers ready to represent? Volunteers are often the first point of contact for donors, clients, and the public. Proper training ensures they represent the nonprofit professionally, reinforcing its values and mission. This is especially critical for smaller nonprofits, where every interaction counts.

Training also helps create a culture of philanthropy. When volunteers understand the mission and feel connected to the cause, they’re more likely to become advocates and donors. Moreover, proper training builds capacity, allowing small nonprofits to deliver services effectively despite limited resources.

Every organization has challenges, especially those that are stretched thin. A single negative experience shouldn’t define a nonprofit’s potential.

Remember, those first impressions last!

If I can support you then let's talk!