Why Recruiting Volunteers Is Getting Harder | With guest Karen Knight, a volunteer management strategist who discusses the intersection of emergencies and volunteers with host Tim Conrad

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Tim Conrad and Karen Knight discuss the challenges and strategies in managing volunteers, especially during emergencies. They explore the importance of understanding volunteer motivations, maintaining their well-being, leveraging their skills, and the benefits of role rotation. The discussion emphasizes building relationships with volunteers, streamlining training processes, and recognizing the impact of lived experiences. They also highlight the mental health benefits of volunteering and the potential for career development through volunteer work. Effective communication and appreciation for volunteers are key themes throughout the conversation.TakeawaysPeople are still interested in volunteering, but in different ways.Leaders must monitor volunteer well-being to prevent burnout.Understanding volunteer skills can enhance organizational impact.Role rotation keeps volunteers engaged and brings fresh perspectives.Building relationships with volunteers fosters better communication.Streamlining training encourages more volunteers to participate.Lived experiences of volunteers can improve service delivery.Encouraging organized efforts prevents chaos during emergencies.Recognizing volunteers boosts morale and retention.Volunteering has significant mental health benefits. Chapters00:00 Challenges in Volunteer Management02:49 Volunteer Fatigue and Burnout05:29 Building Relationships with Volunteers08:12 Effective Role Management10:58 The Importance of Role Rotation13:39 Lived Experience in Volunteerism16:23 Encouraging Teamwork Over Solo Acts20:48 Streamlining Volunteer Engagement23:09 The Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering25:58 Personal Stories of Volunteering28:07 Volunteering as a Career Path30:48 Effective Communication with Volunteers34:10 Recognizing Volunteer Contributions39:43 Resources for Crisis and Volunteer ManagementLinks mentioned by Karen:How to lead in a crisis by Amy C. Edmondson https://www.ted.com/dubbing/amy_c_edmondson_how_to_lead_in_a_crisis?audio=en&language=en From the Top Down: The Executive Role in Successful Volunteer Involvement by Susan J. Ellis. https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=3a7bfe1ca1db5972&rlz=1C1UEAD_enCA1088CA1088&sxsrf=ANbL-n7kzzo02qSejZIDsm3UMaopRHkW-A:1769145490970&q=From+the+Top+Down:+The+Executive+Role+in+Successful+Volunteer+Involvement&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAABXHvQrCMBAA4EEEKU6OToejy0VBhMxa6KrF3YazLU3uSv5sX8cnVbfvWy02BTpUpzzNqt2tscXDsRmVyua83w5GYyMy4DPFTrz-O4CwnT_LqvTiIHYEtYxwkTdrqH-7TmRS7DPBTSxBz3BPxlAIr2ThITZxJPJQcRabyRHHLwhibQ2EAAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi1ja7E9KCSAxWsGTQIHSFiNKgQ9OUBegQIHBAF&biw=1920&bih=911&dpr=1&aic=0 Visit www.communicationspodcast.com for more detailed show info including photos and videos.