The Skilled Volunteer

 

Even as businesses slowly open their doors to the public again, many professionals are still compelled to volunteer to help how they can. In fact, a lot of them are working from home and have flexible schedules. Some of you may be wondering where to sign up and yet, some of you may also feel guilty about accepting free help when you know that a lot of professionals and businesses are struggling.

Here’s how I see it…

According to Merriam Webster dictionary, pro bono is defined as:

“being, involving, or doing professional and especially legal work donated especially for the public good”

“Public good” is a big part of the reason that your organization was able to obtain and retain its 501(c)3 status. Pro bono work is intended to benefit the work that we all do to strengthen communities, advocate for social justice and access to basic needs, enrich people’s lives with culture and history, and the list goes on. (Skilled) volunteers, like financial supporters, want to contribute in a way that they are able and doing so often makes them feel good and empowered that they can make a difference when the world around us seems to be crumbling. Consider how you’re feeling with each turn and loop and sudden starts/stops of this pandemic; chances are a lot of these volunteers feel the same way and are searching for a way to make a difference.

So, you found someone, or they found you. As Ms. Aretha Franklin sang, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to”...well...them. Just because skilled volunteers are offering you a free service, you shouldn’t devalue their time or talent by mistreating them. Learn how they like to work with their paying clients and make the time to go through their process with them. A lot of volunteers want to feel connected to the work they are doing and the cause they are supporting. A little respect goes a long way to nurture a lasting relationship with them. More important, if you show respect for their time and craft, it increases the likelihood that they will treat the work they do for you with care and professionalism. 

On that same note, just because the work is free, it doesn’t mean that you have to jump at the first offer. You want to make sure that you “go together like rama-lama-lama kadinkity dinky donk”(from Grease). As with any staff member, volunteer, or donor, we want to make sure that it’s a good fit. Do they share similar values? Can they complete the work within your timeframe? Have you checked any references to learn more about what to expect when working with this volunteer? Remember that by doing work for you, they represent your organization and the community you care for. Are you ok with that? 

Once you’ve connected with “the one,” work first on agreeing on some ground rules and the expectations that you each have in this partnership. Like Michael Jackson, assure them that “you are not alone, I am here with you.” Establish communication protocols and a timeline for the project so that both of you can feel supported and confident. What was that? Why, yes, it’s like working with someone that you’re paying to complete a project with an extra spoonful of gratitude.

So all in all, working with skilled volunteers can be amazing, anxiety-causing, beneficial, and stressful all at the same time. We are all figuring out how to operate with fewer resources and more chaos. Skilled volunteers may just be the helping hand that you need. I’ve started a list of web resources below, if you’re interested in learning more. And remember, the coconut wireless is sometimes the best way to connect with your neighbor’s cousin’s girlfriend’s uncle’s third wife’s brother’s boss’ son who may be just right for the job!

Post by: Cheri Kishimoto, Executive Director & Co-Founder, HIHO cheri@hiho.org // Photo by Branko Stancevic on Unsplash

 
Cheri Kishimoto