COVID-19 Resources for Volunteer Administrators

In response to COVID-19, SAVMA compiled resources for volunteer administrators and  conducted a survey of its members to assess needs.  We received a representative number of responses, compiled into a report you can read by clicking the button below.

SAVMA’s COVID-19 Survey Response Report

Click here to view the Report

To support your needs SAVMA Will…

  • Continue to provide links and information about community resources and clear recommendations about implementing CDC standards with regards to COVID 19
  • Support volunteer managers doing check ins with volunteers on leave
  • Create a process for members to promote their needs on SAVMA’s social media and website
  • Promote self care to volunteer managers
  • Provide back to basics support for those who are doing new work in volunteer management outside their day to day work
  • Host the SAVMA Fair (Volunteer Recognition and Recruitment Event) to support organizations in gaining new volunteers once safe to do so
  • Continue to provide virtual professional development opportunities for Volunteer Administrators

Helpful Links

Steps to Take for your Volunteer Program

While there continues to be many unknowns about COVID-19 we know that our volunteer community is impacted and we are here to help. The following are actions to take to ensure that your volunteers and volunteer programs are as equipped as possible for this time.

  1. Be sure you and your volunteers are operating under state and federal guidelines. These guidelines are changing rapidly and it is important to check in often for updates.
  2. Follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and advise safe health practices regarding COVID-19. Become familiar with the plan and how volunteers are engaged throughout a plan.
  3. Prioritize volunteer and client safety. Know the key requirements for continuing interaction between volunteers and vulnerable clients, take all recommended precautions, including gloves, masks, frequent hand-washing, etc.
  4. Be sure volunteer concerns can be addressed during these restricted access times and that communication documents are updated appropriately for your volunteers in the field as supervisors may change.
  5. As executive orders are issued nationally and by state, workplaces may be closed and remote work may become an option where it wasn’t before.
  6. Respond to the workplace volunteer shortages. With so many of our local agencies having volunteers on leave of absence please do what you can to keep them engaged. Now is a great time to refer your volunteers for continued service to other agencies that are active and open and in dire need of volunteers. Trust us, your fellow volunteer managers will remember you did this!
  7. Postpone large-scale volunteer events or trainings scheduled for the next few months. City of Tucson has already requested events of 10 or more be postponed.
  8. Support social distancing efforts by avoiding crowds and events which helps “flatten the curve” of the virus and helps keep cases within the capacity of our hospital system.
  9. Continue to help counter stigma and discrimination in our community. Engage with stigmatized groups and speak out against negative behaviors.

Edit for your organization in communicating with your volunteers.

  • Stay home if you are sick. We will send individuals with symptoms home. Outline a clear system for getting in touch with you/the organization when cancelling a shift.
  • Please take all necessary precautions if you are immunocompromised, or live with/care for someone who is immunocompromised. Message for volunteers, “We support your decisions, including and up to a decision to temporarily suspend your own volunteering during this uncertain time.” .
  • We are implementing a no touch policy at our organization while COVID-19 remains a threat. Please do not shake hands, hug or have other physical contact with staff, volunteers or clients. We recommend waving or verbally greeting people instead.
  • Please thoroughly and frequently wash your hands, and follow other guidance provided by the CDC around disease containment.
  • Our office will be observing social distancing guidelines. This includes work spaces, and shared transportation.
  • We ask that all volunteers wear a mask to limit the spread of asymptomatic carriers.
  • We will stagger work schedules limiting social distancing risks. Social distancing means keeping more than 6 feet between you, and any person with whom you do not share a home.
  • Work remotely where possible, [explain how you will provide support, and training, and resources].
  • [Offer additional information on if and how your organization’s services will be impacted as it becomes available.]

The Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement provided much of the source material for the information above, thank you!

To view the previous message sent out, click on the following link: March 13th Message from Leadership

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