Category: News & Views Page 15 of 42

Impact Storytelling: How to connect with your volunteers.

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On 29th April 2022

In Community, Volunteer Management

We all know how impactful storytelling can be. And we’re sure that at some point we’ve been affected by a story told to us in a range of mediums (We’re inclined to think that everyone has also spent 6 hours crying through channel 4s It’s A Sin).

Being impacted by someone else’s story ignites something in us to get up and do something. It could be learning more about a topic, or thinking about a topic in a different light. What organisations can do is share their stories- to drive volunteers into action and reach larger audiences…

What is impact storytelling and why should you use it?

You might be wondering what exactly impact storytelling is. It’s sort of completely covered in the name- storytelling that impacts someone sees it. Impact storytelling can be posters, videos, a blog, anything that gets your impact out there. It’s important because it can be one of the most valuable sources of communication an organisation can use- no matter who it is you’re trying to reach.

Organisations should be using this to connect with their potential audience (or potential volunteers). Let them know how your organisation helps others- show the difference you make! You want people to become invested and interested in your organisation.

By connecting with people’s emotions, you can inspire them to get up and help make a difference where they can.

Best practices…

When you look to start creating an impact story, you must first get to know your audience. Or the audience you’re targeting. What are the main motivations for those coming to you to volunteer? Or get involved in a particular way? Are there any interests that stick out amongst your audience you could latch onto and highlight?

Knowing your audience as best you can, really helps when planning your impact story. Therefore, you’ll be using the appropriate actions/communications to reach your target audience…

Once you know how you’re going to put your story out there- it’s time to find the story to go with. Build up relationships with colleagues, volunteers or even those who your organisation helps. You might find that sharing real stories will give more of an impact to your audience.

Make sure to ask those involved in your story if they are okay with sharing it, and if they wouldn’t like their name involved- anonymise it as appropriate.

The stories you share should be focused on your organisation, and the impact that you make. Show the depth of your organisation- you want your impact storytelling to touch everything that your organisation does… 

On one final note…

On a final note, make sure to evaluate your impact. What do you think could be changed in your approach to have a better response to your impact storytelling? By evaluating you can see what did work, and what might not have been effective. Evaluation is key.

Hopefully we’ve been able to help you get started on your impact storytelling journey, or at least got your brain following for ideas!

How to bring your non-digital volunteers, digital!

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On 27th April 2022

In TeamKinetic Features, Volunteer Management

It’s not unknown anymore that going digital is the future. We’ve seen first-hand the digital shift within the volunteering sector and the effect it has had on volunteers. Now, not everyone has adapted to the digital side of volunteer management. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you bring them into your digital plans.

When organisations move over to a digital platform, sometimes we find that their volunteers may be a little hesitant to indulge or be uncomfortable using a new system.

You’ve probably found yourself in a situation like this at some point. This is why at TeamKinetic, we make sure that volunteers can go at their own pace. That doesn’t mean you can’t give them a little push forward though…

Introducing digital to the reluctant…

Introducing a digital volunteer management system to reluctant volunteers works best when you focus on how it can make their lives easier. Talk about the benefits they’ll care about, like quick session sign-ups, easy communication, and less paperwork. Share examples of how other volunteers have found it helpful to show it’s a tool for them, not just for admin.

Keep the training simple and hands-on, offering guides and support to help everyone feel comfortable. Most importantly, listen to their concerns and take their feedback seriously. Showing how the system saves time and reduces hassle will help them see it as a win for everyone.

Developing a plan for action

To introduce a digital volunteer management system successfully, you could start by holding a casual meeting or drop-in session where you can demonstrate the system in action. Show volunteers how easy it is to use and focus on features they’ll find most helpful, like how to sign up for shifts in just a few clicks or receive instant updates. Keep the tone friendly and invite questions to ease any initial hesitation.

Offer personalised support by setting up one-on-one or small group tutorials for those who need extra guidance. Create simple, step-by-step guides or video walkthroughs they can refer to at any time. If possible, designate a “digital buddy”. This could be another volunteer or team member who’s confident with the system and can provide peer support.

During the rollout, ask for feedback regularly. Use surveys, informal check-ins, or suggestion boxes to understand what’s working and what isn’t. Adjust your approach based on their input, and celebrate their wins when they successfully engage with the system. For instance, share stories of how someone saved time or avoided mix-ups using the platform.

Finally, be patient. Not everyone will adapt at the same pace, so offer ongoing support and reassurance. By making the process collaborative and supportive, you’ll help even the most reluctant volunteers feel confident and included.

How can TeamKinetic help with this process?

Once started on TeamKinetic, admin users can invite volunteers to sign up via email or create volunteer accounts themselves. By emailing volunteers, they’ll instantly get to the sign-up page and can complete their registration in just a few short steps. Volunteers who complete the registration themselves are already one step into the digital journey – a small easy win!

Even though it’s a quick and easy registration process, there may be volunteers who refuse to, or can’t, engage digitally. For those cases, we’ve made it possible to create and manage volunteer profiles on their behalf. No email? No problem. Admins can create volunteer accounts without an email address.

When acting on behalf of a volunteer, you can update/change their personal information if/when needed. This includes uploading a photo and any relevant documents, joining opportunities and logging their hours.

You’ll also be able to signify whether the volunteer in question has completed any required induction and training.

Digitally inviting your volunteers

Once a volunteer is signed up, they may find themselves feeling like a deer in headlights. Lots to do but they might not be sure where to start.

At this point, we give them a welcome message, with clear instructions on how to get started. The best part is that it’s fully customisable so you can tell your volunteers exactly what they need to know.

At the beginning of their journey, it can be good to invite them to join an opportunity immediately. With TeamKinetic, you’ll be able to invite volunteers directly onto sessions that interest them so they can start their volunteering journey right away.

When volunteers are comfortable using the system, they can search for the opportunities they want themselves. Once they find an opportunity they like, they can join or apply depending on restrictions.
(For some opportunities, organisations may ask for volunteers to apply, and jump through some hoops before getting onto a session.)

You’ll be able to keep volunteers in the loop through emails and texts – you can even set up calls with volunteers to keep in touch. Any changes on an opportunity are emailed to each volunteer so they’re always kept up-to-date on the latest changes. 

Want to see more of our Digital Functions? 

We’ve seen how our functions have helped hesitant volunteers embrace the digital side of volunteering and its benefits. TeamKinetic, like any good VMS, is straightforward to use once you’ve had a look around.

Why not get in touch over on our website to see how we can benefit your organisation? 

You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:

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Have you enjoyed using TeamKinetic? If you could leave us a review on Capterra, we’d really appreciate it!

How Your Fundraising Can Inspire Others…

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On 20th April 2022

In Charity, Community, News & Views

Bean baths, vows of silence and walking mountains- the ways in which people decide to raise money for a charity are vast. But they all give people a sense of adventure and purpose. Our day-to-day looks at the volunteering done by organisations, as opposed to the fundraising aspect. That doesn’t mean we don’t love hearing the stories of people bathing in beans or walking the 3 peaks for a charity close to their heart. Sometimes, those fundraising inspire others to do the exact same thing. 

We also love helping when we can! Which is why we’re bringing you Allen’s story- some of you may know him as Tiny- currently cycling from Cornwall to Scotland for a charity helping the veterans of this country…

Allen’s Story

We first heard of Allen’s story through our Lead Software Developer- Rolf. Residing in Wales, Rolf welcomed Allen in for some well-earned kip and to get cleaned up and fed for the rest of his journey.

Having served in the foreign legion for many years (having first signed up at the age of 17!) He has set himself the task to raise £40,000 by the time he’s completed his cycle. Not only is he cycling, but apart from the odd couple of nights recuperating, Allen has decided to sleep roadside too battling every kind of weather (quite literally- Britain eh?)

Amazingly, Allen has pledged to start on another route if his target isn’t met by the time his cycle is over. An incredible commitment already, Allen’s determination to raise money for a cause so close to his heart is as inspiring as it is remarkable. We hope that Allen’s story only encourages others to get out there and fundraise!

Read more about Allen and his journey and donate if you can.

Inspire Others.

For many, signing up for a run/walk/swim/cycle can be daunting. Stories just like Allen’s may be the push you need to put pen to paper and get started. It isn’t just Allen who’s set themselves tasks this year…

Mother and Daughter duo, Lucy and Greta are among a group just shy of 50 soon to set off on a trek of the Sahara. Having 90% of the funds raised already, the group is focused on sending the money to funding a construction for a new and larger hospice in Pease Pottage. 

This is just another example of those pushing their comfort zones to raise money for where it’s needed most. We’re wishing Lucy and Greta, along with the rest of the team all the best ahead of their upcoming hike!

It comes as no surprise that hearing others fundraising stories inspires so many others to start their own. People might think that they’re too small to make a difference- this shouldn’t stop you from getting up and fundraising for an organisation you love. Any difference, big or small, means so much to charities and organisations. A difference, big or small, is still making a difference. 

Wondering how you can fundraise?

Stories like Allen’s, like Lucy and Greta’s, inspire people every day to donate or start a fundraising journey of their own.

If you’re feeling inspired, why not start your fundraising journey today! You might be wondering what activity you can take on. We’ve got you covered with some simple fundraisers you can take on to start your passage…

Runs and Walks: 5k, 10k or marathons, walking up (and down) mountains. The weather is getting warmer- so why not get out there and put one foot in front of the other. If you’re looking for something more casual, why not try a step challenge? 100,000 steps in a certain time frame?

If walking or running isn’t quite your forte, why not follow in Allen’s footsteps. Find a route, jump on your bike and start pedaling. Become your own Allen! With the East Coast and Scotland left to go- we’re sending Allen all the best. You can read more on his story and donate if you can here.

The launch of Kindocoin SBRI project and TeamKinetic’s involvement.

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On 14th April 2022

In News & Views, Press Releases, Volunteer Management

The Kindocoin SBRI project is officially launching Phase 2. TeamKinetic is honoured to be one of two companies spending the next 12 months developing and evaluating our prototype solution in a real-world setting. You can read a description of the product we’ll be working on here, along with more information from Health Innovation South East Scotland. 

The Wellbeing Hub is a volunteer-powered community care web solution. It enables volunteer managers to safely direct support and care to discharged patients. The Hub intends to reduce delayed discharge and readmissions by increasing people’s ability to self-manage or manage with volunteer support. 

The Hub integrates technologies in an innovative way, with safe data sharing that facilitates the partnering of volunteers and volunteer-led services. This allows patients to build a trusted and sustainable network of support.

Phase 1 demonstrated the administrative burden placed on volunteer managers, we know it is difficult for volunteer-led services to be responsive and to provide a scalable service. The Hub reduces that burden by managing complicated and sensitive data sharing, and facilitating patient support via safer volunteer management practices. 

We intend to link patients to third sector providers using our OpenReferral enabled service aggregator. Our data sharing features ensure front-line staff can find suitable services and have confidence that only appropriate information is shared.

Enabling volunteers to develop relationships with patients and providing pathways to community-based activity, will lead to lower planned care needs and should reduce future unplanned hospital visits. Integrating volunteers by ‘passporting’ and developing an ongoing pathway to community-based activity supported by volunteers, will produce a more flexible and sustainable volunteering network.

Patient safety is paramount; volunteers must meet the very highest levels of safeguarding certification. Volunteers who undergo such checks can move more freely between service providers through the use of digitally verified ID, online vetting and barring checks.

Patient outcomes linked to voluntary service intervention have been difficult to quantify. Using advanced data science, we will provide a new dimension of insight into the impact volunteers have on patients and their long-term outcomes. The Hub will provide new clinical insight and develop the case for community-based, volunteer-supported care.

Once again, we’d like to say how proud we are to be involved in a project like this. We’re excited to see what we can do, and how we can help! 

For information on how TeamKinetic can help you organise your volunteers, head to our website to start a free demo of our software or give us a call on 0161 914 5757.

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How to develop an inclusive and accessible volunteer experience

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On 13th April 2022

In News & Views, Volunteer Management

Being inclusive and accessible are integral to modern society – particularly so in the third sector. Allowing as many people as possible to get involved is great for everyone. This is something that we aspire to at TeamKinetic – we’re constantly striving to be as inclusive and accessible as possible.

Inclusive vs Accessible – What’s the difference?

A variety of people are pictured, promoting an inclusive and accessible environment.

Accessibility focuses on designing a user experience that meets the needs of everyone in your audience. Ensuring something is accessible is likely to be the difference between a user being able to do something or not.

Accessibility involves a wide range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, language, learning, and neurological disabilities. Everyone deserves the same levels of access and no one should feel excluded.

Inclusivity, on the other hand, involves creating an experience with a wide range and variety of users in mind. This includes thinking about their various abilities, environments, situations, and contexts.

While inclusivity doesn’t address a specific user need, it does ensure that there are a range of tools and features that help all users feel comfortable. Inclusive measures (or lack of), are likely to be the difference between someone wanting to do something or not.

What are TeamKinetic doing?

With regular system updates, we’re continually looking for ways to improve the inclusive and accessible nature of our features. In the past, we have integrated several key accessibility measures into our system.

Now, our system has in-built adaptive technologies to help open the door for everyone to volunteer, from screen-readers to WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

Our inclusive design looks at how we broaden our appeal so all users have an equal opportunity. We have done this via:

  • Dual language interface for our work in Wales.
  • Introducing blind recruitment processes.
  • Add-ons such as Recite-Me provide tools such as multilingual screen reading.
  • Site size and colour contrast adjust.
  • Other site translation (integrating Google Translate).

Organisations must adhere to laws surrounding accessible design, you can read more on the UK law here.

How can my organisation be more inclusive and accessible?

  • Do you face problems with attracting volunteers from diverse backgrounds?
  • Does the thought of creating a fully inclusive and accessible onboarding process overwhelm you?
  • Have you experienced barriers to making changes?

If you find that your organisation is struggling with any of the things mentioned above, the Association of Volunteer Managers (AVM) hosted a great session on this.

Event: Making an inclusive and accessible recruitment and onboarding experience

During the event, we heard from Amy McGarvey (Research Manager) from NCVO who shed light on the effect of the pandemic on volunteering. The key findings were:

  • Volunteer numbers in general decreased from pre-pandemic numbers. It is estimated that there is around 1/5 fewer people volunteering now in comparison to figures from 2019.
  • The number of volunteers with a disability has decreased.
  • Digital solutions are seen as a barrier and an enabler. Some felt excluded by the move to digital methods, whereas it may have opened the door for a more inclusive pool of volunteers.

We also learned that organisations have various barriers to inclusion. These are:

  • Lack of resources, time, and capacity.
  • Recognising everyone is different and being unaware of how to cater to every individual need. 
  • Volunteers not being honest about extra support they may need. 
  • EDI not being valued as much as it should be and facing resistance from others in the organisation when trying to make changes.

We learned that the volunteer experience can be made more inclusive by seeing volunteer well-being as a the focus. Cost-effective actions that celebrate volunteers and their differences are seen to be effective, e.g. celebrating a variety of cultural events, using diverse imagery in promotional materials, and ensuring all language is inclusive. Overall, making sure volunteers feel supported is a foundational aspect of improving your inclusivity.

Find out more about the event by going to the AVM website. 

You can also read our Is Your Pool of Volunteers Diverse and Inclusive? blog. It includes the latest sector stats as well as advice on how you can improve your own diversity and inclusivity.

Interested in volunteer management tools?

Why not take a look at TeamKinetic? You can even start a 30-day free trial with absolutely no payment details required. Just head over to our website.

You can find TeamKinetic on social media and listen to our podcast:

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Have you enjoyed using TeamKinetic? If you could leave us a review on Capterra, we’d really appreciate it! We’ll even send you a little thank you.

Are you getting the best from your opportunity descriptions?

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On 6th April 2022

In TeamKinetic Features, Volunteer Management

Opportunity descriptions can make or break whether someone decides to volunteer for you. If a potential volunteer can’t find an opportunity that excites them, then they probably aren’t going to join you on your organisations journey.

With your descriptions you can describe to your volunteers, and potential volunteers what’s possible for them within your organisation- let them know how they can use their skills, talents and drive to add to something bigger than themselves.

Descriptions can sometimes be a little boring, and packed full of information and language that can make a volunteer confused or disengaged with the opportunity within the first few seconds or so… When written correctly, you can inspire and motivate volunteers to sign up and jump onto the opportunity there and then. Your description also helps you find the right volunteer for the role.

Descriptions can also help when volunteers have joined an opportunity; it can give you a checklist of sorts when supervising volunteers on an opportunity- if a volunteer isn’t meeting expectations- has your description been too vague on what you’re looking for? An opportunity description should have done the leg work to get you in touch with a volunteer (or volunteers) who are the best fit.

Opportunity descriptions can be such an important communication tool towards your organisation. So how can you make sure your description is well-crafted?

What to include in your descriptions…

We’ve collated together a list of 10 sections to include on your opportunity description that can help your volunteers find the right role for them, and your organisation gets the best out of each and every volunteer.

  • Opportunity Title. Think about whittling down your entire description, in just a few words- that’s what your title should be. The title is one of the most important aspects of your opportunity, you want to entice your volunteer to know more.
  • Responsibilities. For a quick snapshot of the roles and responsibilities within the opportunity- include a quick bullet point round up. This will help give a volunteer a concrete process of what they’ll be doing day-to-day.
  • Time Requirements. Let volunteers know how much time would be required from them- a quick way to cut those volunteers out who may be looking for less hours (or have more hours to give!) Many opportunities will have a beginning and end date, so including that can help a volunteer decide too.
  • Location. This is pretty simple and self-explanatory. Adding a location attracts the volunteers in that area and stops any of those volunteers from joining if they can’t make the destination provided.

You could also include…

  • Working Environment. Add whether there’s a dress code, or any physical requirements needed for the job. Anything along these lines will work really well here.
  • Skills/Qualifications. It doesn’t have to be a massive list or paragraph, just the essentials that are needed to complete the opportunity. These will be skills that you feel are required for the role.
  • Training. If there is any training needed to be undertaken by the volunteer letting them know in the opportunity description means they can start to get prepared. You don’t have to go in depth about the training, but letting them know how to access it can help them get training completed before the opportunity starts.
  • Support. In what ways will your volunteers be supported on this opportunity?
  • Perks? Is there anything while on the opportunity that volunteers will receive? For example, will they have access to a free lunch or free parking? Adding perks onto your opportunity gives extra ‘bonuses’ to volunteers- what do you have to offer? Let potential volunteers know!

Once you’ve written your description, make sure you read it over! If you saw this opportunity advertised, would you want to join up? Think about if someone who doesn’t know much about your organisation was to stumble across the opportunity, what would they think?

And there you have it!

While our checklist of opportunity descriptions may be quite long, you don’t want to overwhelm your volunteers. Your description should give them all the helpful information they need straight away- any other information can come afterwards.

Potential volunteers should be able to scan the page and know the jist of the opportunity and what is being asked of them. 

If you’re looking for a volunteer management system, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Give us a call on 0161 914 5757, or email us at info@teamkinetic.com. You can also start a FREE trial here! 

How TeamKinetic can help with UK-based volunteering for Ukraine.

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On 1st April 2022

In Community, News & Views, Security and GDPR, TeamKinetic Features, Volunteer Management

For well over the past month, we’ve been updated by news outlets about the war in Ukraine. From Snake Island and “Ghost of Kyiv” to young Amelia, symbolising hope with Let It Go (who has since performed the Ukrainian national anthem in Lodz); we doubt there has been a single person who has felt unaffected by what’s happening.

But it’s what people across the world have chosen to do in these times that we would like to focus on – and how we, as a volunteer management system company, can help. We see day in, day out the work and dedication of volunteers and the impact they’ve made to the lives of those they help; it’s why we do what we do!

At the beginning of the month, nearly 20,000 foreign volunteers travelled to Ukraine. While it’s been advised not to travel to Ukraine, the number of volunteers looking to help within their own countries has only increased. Volunteering for Ukraine continues to cover healthcare, travel and refugee assistance (just to name a few). It lies with refugee assistance we believe our system can be of most benefit.

In recent weeks, the government has announced that Britons will be allowed to open up their homes to millions of Ukrainian refugees displaced by current events- this route will work for an initial 12-month period, matching refugees with those who have offered up free accommodation. From national organisations to the local charities around you, help is needed. 

At TeamKinetic, we pride ourselves on the features in our system which allow for fast setup, recruitment and deployment of volunteers to help the set up of such schemes. Our tools help the rapid deployment of volunteers needed in situations such as the one facing Ukraine and its people.

Our instalment of DBS checks has only increased the pace at which volunteers can be approved and well on their way with helping those in need. While we may not know the ins and outs of every organisation’s recruitment needs, it’s been our promise from our very first day to continuously develop our system to accommodate as many organisations as possible. Our DBS checks are one of the many ways we employ important safeguarding within TeamKinetic while maintaining a swift recruitment.

To keep track of the thousands of homes opening their doors, reaching out a hand and the people they will be embracing, is a mammoth task. Our system’s functions can help with recording all information needed to ensure those refugees entering the UK for shelter know they are safe. Our personalisation means no matter what your organisation is looking to collect, or put out to volunteers, it is all accessible in TeamKinetic.

We have a number of organisations starting and developing programs to help Ukrainian refugees – something we are honoured to play a small part of. We want to ensure that anyone who needs a quick start, rapid deployment of volunteers and a platform to do so can find it at TeamKinetic.

It is easy to sit in a country, surrounded by our family members – the people we love – and think there is nothing we can do to help a country roughly 1,949 miles away. But it would be foolish to think such. We can help right where we are, helping those families who’ve travelled 1,949 miles to find safety; to find even a glimmer of hope that one day, they will be able to return to Ukraine. To return home. 

How to get your volunteers embracing management software…

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On 23rd March 2022

In TeamKinetic Features, Volunteer Management

Over the past few years, there’s been a real focus on walking away from stacks of papers, and investing in an online volunteer management system. While we may be biased, we have to agree! No matter where you are on your journey, keeping your volunteers in the loop will help volunteers start embracing your new system. 

So how can you give those encouraging pushes to your volunteers, to help them start embracing your online system?

Embracing Your Vision.

Let your volunteers know what you’re planning! Your volunteers are vital to your success as a program, so let them in behind the curtain of your volunteer program. While you might not be up and running straight away, keeping your volunteers in the loop brings a sense of community. Every milestone you hit can be shared, and celebrated, with everyone who adds to the organisation.

It can also be a time where you can be transparent with your volunteers as you work on understanding your new platform. TeamKinetic’s implementation is as slow or as fast as you like; whenever you’d like to debut your new volunteer management system, we’ll be ready!  If it’s going to take a little while longer- let your volunteers know! You’ll develop a stronger connection with your volunteers if you update them on how your organisation plans to move forward.

Remember, your volunteers don’t need to know everything that’s going on behind the scenes. Leaving them with a few updates along the way will excite them for what’s to come. Once you’re up and running, make sure to let them know the important ‘stuff’; how can you register? How to join an opportunity? Where can you reach us for support?

Volunteer Access.

For many organisations, some of their volunteers don’t have access to online devices like a computer or a smart-phone. So as you plan your transition to an online platform, think about the ways in which you can reach those volunteers who might not be online or internet ready.

Why not offer regular drop in sessions where volunteers can pop in, and register in-person. You can also support new volunteers who may need some training or a welcome chat! For volunteers who might not fully understand the system, show them the basics first! Build up from there and your volunteers will be embracing the system as they go. 

It’s not something we really have to say, but make sure you have a team supporting your volunteers. You’ve been using the system in training, and everyday use. Your volunteers will be using the system for the first time- so expect  a lot of questions from volunteers! Try encouraging your volunteers to spend time on the site getting to know where they can find everything and what the basic functions are…

Let your volunteers know about the features…

One way to indulge volunteers into a platform is to let them know about the features that suit them best. Some of the best features we’ve found that are loved by volunteers are…

Online registration. Volunteers have an easy-to-follow, easy to access registration process and profile that they can keep coming back to keep track of when they’re volunteering, the opportunities they like and what’s happening within the organisation. A volunteer site is a great place for all of this to sit!

Achievement badges. When a volunteer hits a certain number of volunteer hours, or has been awarded volunteer of the month at an organisation, an achievement badge popping up against their profile can be the biggest encouragement for a person to carry on volunteering. At TeamKinetic, we’ve seen first hand how achievement or participation badges have motivated volunteers to volunteer more. It also lets them know how much they’re valued at your organisation.

Communication. At TeamKinetic, we believe that two-way communication is a massive factor in keeping your volunteers coming back to volunteer time and time again. Not only can both pirates keep in touch with updates, but organisations can show that they’re around for their volunteers- check in with them and see how they’re doing! Where a volunteer feels valued and listened to, they’ll continue to return.

Time to start embracing volunteer management?

Hopefully this has helped you understand how to engage your volunteers on your new system or help them come round to the online space you’ve provided! If you’re looking for a volunteer management system, why not try a free trial with us at TeamKinetic over on our website.

Or book in a demo with us! Simply call or email on 0161 914 5757 or katie@teamkinetic.co.uk.

 

How are you matching your volunteers to the right roles?

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On 16th March 2022

In Volunteer Management

Volunteering is a two-way process. A volunteer has to decide whether the roles and responsibilities given to them by an organisation work for them. The organisation also needs to find volunteers who fit the opportunities they offer. Are both parties getting the best out of themselves? Do volunteers feel they’re helping out in the most effective way they can?

Make sure you take the time to really get to know your volunteers. Find opportunities that really fit into who they are and what they’re interested in. So, how can you find out what your volunteers are interested in?

The art of asking…

The simple answer is to ask. But really, there’s a lot more to unpack. As pandemic restrictions have come to a close in the UK, the chance to meet volunteers face-to-face is back. If you’re looking to meet with potential volunteers, keep it relaxed and informative. Let your volunteers open up to you.

The main thing is to make sure your potential volunteers feel at ease.

We’ve heard a lot of talk about post-pandemic social anxiety, so we’ve made a quick checklist to help ease your worries and make sure you have everything you need heading to a meeting…

  • Make sure your future volunteer has your contact details – it will be useful to them, just in case! 
  • Meet at an informal, relaxing venue. Why not position it as two people going for a coffee to catch up. Let them know it will just be an informal chat. 
  • Think about some open questions you could ask to get conversation going and learn more about why they would like to volunteer. Is there anything in particular they are interested in helping with? 
  • It’s a two-way process! Expect to answer some questions a potential volunteer might have about what they’ll be taking on.

Take a look at this Charity Comms post about how to communicate with your volunteers! 

Can unique interests help volunteer roles?

While many volunteers are matched to opportunities based on their capabilities, it’s a nice touch to see if they have any personal interest in exploring something new. Dig a little deeper into what types of opportunities your volunteers are looking for and if you can accommodate them, why not give them a chance!

We all know that while volunteers want to help, they also want to get something out of it too. By helping in roles/responsibilities they’re maybe not well versed in, they’re learning something new. This means your organisation ends up with a pool of volunteers with a wider range of capabilities on offer. 

If you can’t meet a potential volunteer, why not create a quick interest questionnaire? Completed questionnaires can help you understand more on how your volunteers want to use their skills to help the organisation and those in need. It also helps the organisation make no preconceived judgements on where a volunteer would be “most useful.”

In addition, this information helps determine what opportunities a volunteer tends to jump on. Knowing their interests can help keep them engaged and returning to help. 

Are you delegating or dumping volunteer roles? 

“Skilled delegation of volunteer team duties is an art that many managers, even experienced ones, struggled with.” 

Before matching volunteers, it’s always a good idea to double check your delegation. We’re all busy, and while we try to communicate with each other the best we can, your delegation could leave a volunteer feeling unsatisfied. You may find that a volunteer will have problems if their skills or interests are being ‘ignored’…

I’m sure some may have experienced a frustrated volunteer. They may feel opportunities or tasks are ‘dumped on’ them, or that they are left to complete tasks on their own. Not only does this decrease productivity but it also wears down team morale and retention rates.

If a volunteer feels under-valued, or they aren’t happy with how they’re volunteering, it’s likely they won’t return. How you delegate is something everyone should be taking a look at. Improving your delegation skills means you can meet everyone’s needs and gives you the strongest chance to make a difference within your organisation.

Looking for a volunteer management system?

Are you looking for a volunteer management system? Look no further. Start a FREE trial with us here, and take a look at all we have to offer!  

The Lasting Impact of the Pankhurst Family

By

On 8th March 2022

In Charity, Heritage & Culture, News & Views

In 1903, the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) was founded on 10 October at 62 Nelson Street in Manchester, home of the Pankhurst family. It was an independent women’s movement with the motto ‘Deeds not words’.

Museum of London on Twitter: "News that Asquith had called an election quickly reached the Women's Social and Political Union and plans for a peaceful deputation of the WSPU to the House

The fight for the right to vote

The WPSU fought tirelessly to obtain the right to vote for women. They started out with an array of peaceful tactics. However, these proved ineffective and led to a complete lack of government action.

The WPSU grew exasperated, leading them to more violent acts and illegal activity such as attacks on public property. From these acts, many members were imprisoned. In Holloway Prison, WPSU leader Emmeline Pankhurst staged a hunger strike, aiming to improve conditions for other suffragettes in nearby cells. Other suffragettes who were imprisoned joined Pankhurst in her strike. However, this resulted in brutal force-feeding for the women.

I shall never while I live forget the suffering I experienced during the days when those cries were ringing in my ears.

Emmeline Pankhurst on the force-feeding, ‘My Own Story’ [1914]

The force-feeding and suffering the women underwent in prison caused an uproar across the country. These negative public relations resulted in the development of the Cat and Mouse Act. This act would allow the release of prisoners facing ill-health due to hunger strikes.

The cycle of suffragettes being imprisoned, staging hunger strikes, and being released due to ill health continued for years. Between 1912 and 1914 the WPSU instigated a bombing and arson campaign targeting public buildings and infrastructure. This was a much more violent approach, resulting in the departure of key members, and was only ended due to the start of World War I in 1914.

The Women’s Party

In 1917, the WPSU was dissolved and Emmeline and Christabel Pankhurst founded the Women’s Party. Their slogan was ‘Victory, National Security and Progress’, hoping to tie the right for women to vote in with World War I victory.

The right to vote obtained?

In 1918, the Representation of the People Act was passed. This allowed some women to vote so long as they fit the following criteria:

  • aged 30 or over
  • resides in the constituency
    • or who occupied land/premises with a value over £5

This Act also abolished previous restrictions for men, extending the vote to virtually all men over 21 years old. Therefore, although this was a victory for women, it still did not produce the political equality the movement had been fighting for. It did, however, give women over the age of 21 the right to stand for election as a Member of Parliament.

Women finally achieved the same voting rights as men in 1928, with the Equal Franchise Act.

A lasting legacy

On Thursday 14 June 1928 Emmeline Pankhurst died, at the age of 69. Today she is remembered as a pioneer for women’s rights and her impact is not forgotten. For example, The Pankhurst Centre in Manchester is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of women’s fight for the right to vote.

The Pankhurst Trust (Incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid)

In 2014, The Pankhurst Centre and Manchester Women’s Aid merged with the shared goal of women’s liberation and support for women. The Pankhurst Centre is home to a museum and a variety of women-only activities. While Manchester Women’s Aid is the city’s largest provider of domestic abuse services. Many are unaware that a large portion of the work done by these organisations is due to the hard work of volunteers.

We found out more about The Pankhurst Trust (Incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid) when Chris sat down with Abi Froud to record an episode of our new podcast – TeamTalk.
Abi is the Volunteer Coordinator, giving her first-hand experiencing managing the Trust’s volunteers.

You can listen to the episode here:

Volunteers’ Activities

To kick things off, Abi told us about the main services delivered by the Trust.

The Trust currently has over 150 registered volunteers who get up to a whole range of activities. One day they might be in the museum, the next they could be cooking lunch for a group of women.

The demographics of the Trust’s volunteers is predominantly women, with 95%, but within that Abi notes that they are quite diverse. Their volunteers are also mostly younger and they’re very engaged which is amazing to see!

The Impact of COVID

When we asked about the impact of COVID, it was clear that it affected the Trust’s work. It’s clear that their volunteers are very hands-on and a lot of the work they do requires face-to-face activity.

Despite this, a door was opened for the development of remote activities such as a telephone befriending service and getting volunteers involved in research for the museum. After COVID restrictions lessened, the number of volunteer registrations spiked with more and more people wanting to get involved.

People were coming back from COVID and thinking about what their values are and what they want to do. I think [The Pankhurst Trust] align[s] with that.

Abi on the spike in registrations

With COVID also came a rise in the use of digital solutions. Here’s where we come in…

How TeamKinetic helped

Abi notes the ability to quickly and easily communicate with her volunteers as a key benefit of having a digital volunteer management system. She also noted that when she first came into her role, the details stored against each volunteer profile really helped her get to know her volunteers.

She also noted the logistical side, with the system making the process of volunteering more effective. TeamKinetic gave them the ability to create rotas, send out weekly emails, and have volunteers log their own hours.

Abi also touched on the reluctance of some volunteers to get involved with digital, but acknowledges the system’s user-friendliness.

I think quite often you’ll tell someone: “We use an online system for our volunteering”
You see a bit of a drop in their face. A lot of the people that we work with, they’re not necessarily super tech savvy. Then I show it to them and they think “Oh actually I think I can do it!”.

Abi on showing new volunteers the system

Want to Get Involved Yourself?

Want to help out at The Pankhurst Trust (Incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid)? You can register to volunteer or check out their volunteering opportunities by clicking the links.

The work they do is so valuable to the local community, but if you don’t feel like you can volunteer right now, you can check out other ways to help on their website.

Need Your Own Volunteer Management Solution?

If you think TeamKinetic can help you like it helped The Pankhurst Trust (Incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid), reach out to us! We can give you a tour of the system and set you up with a trial site to see if it works for you. You can find us on our website – just start a live chat. You can also find us on social media:

Twitter       Facebook       LinkedIn       YouTube       Instagram       Podcast

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