The Real Lives of Volunteer Coordinators
A Blog for us to Learn from Each Other
Written by Melissa Davis Recap for August 9th - August 22nd
Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion this week in our Facebook community!
Full Time Equivalency
Many organizations rely heavily on volunteer support for the programs and services they offer. In most cases, it wouldn’t be financially feasible to replace volunteers with paid staff members. In addition to calculating the value of volunteer time, you could also calculate how many full time positions would be required to cover responsibilities.
Suggestions from Others
“The Independent Sector updated the hourly rate for a volunteer to $28.54 in April of 2021.”
“I’ve done an equivalent to FTE before by taking the total volunteer hours and dividing them by 2,080 (8hours per day x 5 days x 52 weeks). For the value of their time, take the volunteer hours x $28.54”
“I compute the FTE, then multiply it by our starting salary plus benefits (base salary x 30%). That gives us a more realistic picture of what we would pay if they were on our payroll.”
“I’m not sure where to find it but there is a dollar amount per state.I’ve gone through Points of Light Service Enterprise certification and it was in there. So maybe try to Google that and see if they have resources on their site?”
Check out all of the comments here!
Volunteer Roundtables
A great way to keep volunteers engaged with your organization is to provide opportunities outside their standard volunteer schedule. Informal gatherings, such as a potluck, can add a social element to their experience, while also providing a space for updates and announcements.
Comments
“We're having a volunteer picnic next week, our first in-person volunteer gathering since before Covid, and folks are stoked! We used to do quarterly happy hours and people appreciated the chance to just hang out together.”
“I'm planning a volunteer town hall for September -- on line, review of FY 21 achievements and goals for FY 22, review of handbook, celebration of volunteers who have reached milestones. We've also done some online recognition events with videos of the homeowners we served -- perhaps a testimonial from someone you've served?”
“We do monthly volunteer luncheons where we recognize volunteers, celebrate birthdays and give updates”
“We have a monthly volunteer meeting/ potluck. It’s 30 minutes of socializing and eating then another 30 minutes of what’s going on at our center. We’ve had two since our restrictions were lifted and they are very well attended. Food always brings people in”
Medical Requirements
If volunteers are working with a healthcare organization, they will likely have additional requirements for medical records. For example, healthcare standards may require proof of a negative TB test, COVID vaccine, or annual flu shot. Make sure these requirements are communicated to potential volunteers early in the process so they know what to expect each year.
Comments
“We require a 2 step negative ppd from newbies with an annual update. A decline of hep b and proof of full vaccination to be with patients in the field. If no vaccine - can work in the office. Good luck”
“For volunteers with direct exposure, we require all of what you listed, yearly, but the COVID Vax requirement is new this week in California. We were dancing around what to require and what to strongly suggest, and then CA made it mandatory. Oh, and annual flu vax.If anyone declines, they can serve remote or with no patient/BBP exposure. Except the COVID Vax now, they won't be able to decline and still volunteer depending on the interpretation of the law.”