Volunteer Expectations – Do They Expect Too Much?
Volunteering is promoted to volunteers to give them purpose, improve their mental health and develop social skills. Volunteers might go into the experience with high expectations and hope that it will change their life forever. However, volunteering may not always be the experience people expect it to be. If volunteers don’t receive the right support from their volunteer managers or the organisation they are volunteering for then they might feel isolated and disappointed with their experience.
Volunteers may have different expectations depending on the organization and the specific role they are volunteering for. These expectations may vary from person to person and from one organisation to another. It’s a good idea to talk with potential volunteers about their expectations before they start volunteering.
Some common expectations Volunteers may have are:
- Clear communication and expectations from the organization, including the volunteer’s role, responsibilities, and the organization’s goals.
- Flexibility in terms of scheduling and location.
- A supportive and positive environment.
- Recognition and appreciation for their time and contributions.
- Fair treatment and respect.
- A sense of belonging and community.
- Safety and good working conditions.
- Reimbursement of expenses if necessary.
What Do Volunteer Managers Expect From Volunteers?
It’s possible that some volunteer managers may have expectations that are not realistic for volunteers to meet. However, it’s also essential to note that volunteer managers often have a wide range of responsibilities and may need volunteers to take on certain tasks and responsibilities in order for the organization to function effectively. Some common expectations Volunteer Managers expect are listed below.
- Positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team.
- Willingness to learn and take on new tasks.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances.
- Willingness to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.
- Compliance with health and safety regulations and procedures.
- Good communication skills and ability to work with different people.
It’s important for organisations to have clear and open communication with volunteers about their expectations, roles and responsibilities before they start volunteering. This can help ensure that volunteers understand what they can expect from the organisation and what the organisation expects from them, and can help prevent any misunderstandings or disappointment.
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