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Tips for Navigating Holiday Volunteers

Tips for Navigating Holiday Volunteers Holidays encompass many things, including a time of service and giving. Many people want to give back to their community through volunteer service and as volunteer managers, we should support these volunteers just the same as we support our existing volunteers. Here are some tips for navigating holiday volunteers so they feel welcome in your organization. 5 Tips for Navigating One-Time Holiday Volunteers Prepare the Staff Single-day volunteers are likely full of questions and it can be a barrier if only the Volunteer Manager knows the answers. Prepare the staff with a document about the volunteer positions and some general FAQ questions and answers about the volunteer event. Chances are, people will also call your organization to learn more, so prep your front-office staff as much as possible! Be Clear in your Expectations Single-day volunteers may not be familiar with your organization or the event, [...]

By Sierra Horsey|December 15th, 2021|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples|Tags: holiday volunteers, SAVMA, single day volunteers, volunteer management|Comments Off

Ways to Show Appreciation to Your Volunteer Manager

In honor of International Volunteer Managers Day, we celebrate the achievements of the leaders of volunteers. These are the individuals recruit, train, and engage volunteers throughout the year. They also troubleshoot countless issues that arise, plan stellar events, and implement ways to show appreciation for the service of committed individuals. Volunteer Managers are essential to every organization that utilizes volunteers and NOVEMBER 5TH is a day to recognize that. Here are some ideas to help your volunteer management teams feel appreciated: Budget friendly Write a thank you email and CC a supervisor. A lot of work volunteer managers do goes unnoticed. You can help by writing your volunteer management team a thank you note for a job well done and copying their supervisor. Be specific about the ways that they encourage you in your role. Write a card. Writing a thank you card is always a great way to [...]

By Sierra Horsey|October 31st, 2021|Categories: Resources and Samples|Tags: positive work culture, SAVMA, thank a volunteer manager, volunteer management, volunteer manager appreciation|Comments Off

SOUTHERN ARIZONA VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND CELEBRATION FAIR

The Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association invites you to a volunteer fair at the Reid Park Zoo on Thursday, September 16th from 4:30-7pm. Who can Attend? All members of the public are invited to attend the 2021 annual SAVMA Volunteer & Recognition Fair. Additionally, current volunteers are welcome to attend as a “thank you” from the Southern Arizona nonprofit community. Attendees have the opportunity to explore the zoo during this family-friendly night and enjoy music, raffle prizes, and more. Furthermore, guests can learn about ways to support their community. What organizations will be there? Representatives from local nonprofit organizations will introduce potential volunteers to their important causes. These organizations include: Interfaith Community Services Big Brothers Big Sisters Easterseals Blake Foundation CASA of Pima County Literacy Connects Youth on their Own Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest And more! What is the cost? Thank you to TMC Foundation and United Way [...]

By Sierra Horsey|August 31st, 2021|Categories: Learning and Development, SAVMA Events|Tags: Networking, Professional Development, SAVMA, volunteer appreciation|Comments Off

Reframing Networking: Creating Intentional Relationships

Some people hear the word "networking" and cringe. Thoughts of meeting random people and forcing a connection can make anyone feel uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to be so nerve-wracking. Networking is more about asking for guidance and direction, and using these tips below, you can reshape your definition of networking and how to use it as a tool. What is networking? Every interaction is a networking opportunity when you think about it. You may meet someone at the store who can fix a broken window later down the road. You can also meet professionals who can help you secure a new job. However, the best way to network is to create an intentional connection with a person, organization, or business where both parties benefit. Don't just look for a way to get ahead, as networking to get ahead will just put you further behind. Tips to Consider for Networking [...]

By Sierra Horsey|August 16th, 2021|Categories: Resources and Samples, Uncategorized|Tags: ALIVE, Networking, Professional Development, SAMVA|Comments Off

5 Tips to Create a Better Resume

When was the last time you updated your resume? If you’re like me, you update your resume when looking for a new job. However, the optimal time is right now! Keeping your resume current at all times takes away the stress of updating your resume during crucial times. 5 tips to create a better resume Keep a master list - Expecting to remember every job and every aspect of that job is unrealistic. Create a master document that you update regularly when you gain more skills. Then go a step further and list out if the job duty highlights soft skills. Below is an example: Developed and implemented a four person task force to collect, analyze, and resolve customer grievances. Customer satisfaction improved by 52% since implementation (leadership, teamwork, communication) Don’t sell yourself short - People often underestimate their skill set, women even more so than men. Therefore, have confidence [...]

By Sierra Horsey|June 17th, 2021|Categories: Resources and Samples|Tags: positive work culture, Professional Development, resume, SAVMA|Comments Off

Stay Cool and Stay Safe

Gone are the perfect Tucson days of cool breezes and open windows. Summer is fast approaching; it’s time to start thinking about how to beat the heat. Remaining COVID safe during 100+ degree days will add extra challenges, so here are 5 way to stay cool while staying safe: 5 Ways to Beat the Heat Designate break areas - Taking a break is a necessity. Designate indoor and outdoor break areas so volunteers know where they can rest. For outdoor break areas, shade is a must. White tarps, fans, misters and even potted plants help create an outdoor oasis. Also designate areas where volunteers can remove their masks. Sweaty masks are ineffective so encourage volunteers to bring a space or offer paper mask replacements. Limit break room capacity - Measure your break space and set an occupancy limit so people are able to distance at least 6 feet apart. To [...]

By Sierra Horsey|May 12th, 2021|Categories: Resources and Samples|Tags: SAVMA|Comments Off

Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week

Where would we be without volunteers? If your organization is like the Reid Park Zoo, you would not be able to function as efficiently, nor effectively without volunteers. They keep us organized in the office, do community outreach, and educate guests. They donate time and resources, and ensure the organization is achieving its mission. Volunteers are truly the backbone of many organizations and worth more than the national average of $27.20 per hour. April 18-24th is National Volunteer Week. During this week, and throughout the year, it's important that we celebrate the people who donate their time and talents. We should also take time to recognize the reasons people volunteer. Through this, we can create meaningful opportunities and celebrate them appropriately. Why people volunteer: Personal ties - many people volunteer because they have a connection to the organization. For these volunteers, create activities that directly relate to the mission, as [...]

By Sierra Horsey|April 23rd, 2021|Categories: Resources and Samples, SAVMA Events, Uncategorized|Tags: SAVMA, volunteer appreciation|Comments Off

Tips for Meaningful Volunteer Appreciation

On Thursday, February 18, 2021, volunteer managers gathered together for a roundtable discussion on volunteer appreciation. As we approach volunteer appreciation week, here are the top tips on creating a meaningful thank you experience for your volunteers. Trinket/giveaway Ideas It’s very easy to rely on trinkets or small gifts as tokens of appreciation. Get creative and look offering for experiences by partnering with local organizations. A ticket swap allows volunteers to create memories while opening the door to future partnerships. Creating experiences is not always be feasible, especially in the time of COVID-19, so look for items to give away that have meaning. At the Reid Park Zoo, volunteers receive lapel pins in the shape of different animals to recognize their hours of service. Other items to consider are things that can be used while volunteering --branded hats, jackets, sun sleeves, etc. Event Ideas When [...]

By Sierra Horsey|March 12th, 2021|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples, Uncategorized|Tags: volunteer appreciation|Comments Off

Sierra Horsey

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