Volunteers - Find Them, Keep Them, Back Them
Find Them
Keep Them
Back Them
Assign a Buddy
It can be overwhelming for volunteers to join or take on a new position within a club, especially if they do not know any of the current members. Asking for help can also be difficult. Assigning a buddy to new volunteers can help them through these early stages. A buddy is a person who is partnered with the volunteer in an informal way to help them learn about the club and their role.
‘Buddy’ role description.
- exchange contact details with the volunteer
- contact the new volunteer regularly
- answer any questions
- support the new volunteer in getting to know the club
- help break down barriers that may exist
- introduce the new volunteer to members
- informally educate the volunteer about the club’s structure and culture.
- Characteristics of a good buddy:
- approachable
- positive
- willing to take on the role
- good role model for the club
- good communicator
- similar age/background (not critical but can be helpful)
- knowledgeable about the club/or role
- has a history with the club (been around for a while and knows what’s what).
- Benefits for the buddy:
- chance to help people and the club
- development of new skills, e.g. communication, conflict resolution, mentoring
- valuable addition to a resume
- provides a sense of achievement.
