It's not new news that volunteering is evolving, with micro-volunteering and skills-based volunteering
starting to be popular.
Charities need to adapt by embracing flexibility, offering diverse opportunities, and leveraging digital platforms for recruitment and engagement.
Understanding the motivations of those that want to offer their skills and time, and offer support, including training and recognition, is also important for a charity to retain their volunteers.
Here are some key trends that are currently starting to shape the landscape of volunteering.
Micro-volunteering - micro-volunteering involves short, low-commitment tasks that benefit a cause, sometimes done whilst online.
It is a
flexible way for people to contribute their time and skills on an ad-hoc basis without a long-term obligation, appealing to individuals with busy schedules.
Skills-based volunteering – this involves professionals using their specific expertise to support non-profit organisations.
Different to traditional volunteering, which can focus on hands-on tasks, volunteers
offer specialised skills in relevant areas like strategy, marketing, finance, or technology.
This style is on the rise and offers benefits to both the organisations receiving support and the individuals offering their skills and time.
Digital Volunteering - also known as virtual or online volunteering, refers to the practice of donating time and skills to a cause through online platforms.
It involves using the internet and digital devices to complete tasks remotely, and this allows individuals to
contribute to various causes without being limited by where they may live.
This form of volunteering again offers flexibility and accessibility and makes it easier for people to engage with causes that they care about.
Evolving Motivations - volunteers are increasingly seeking purpose-driven work, skills development, and social connection.
An individual may have started volunteering simply as a desire to help, but longer-term engagement can be influenced by personal experiences, a sense of community, even the quality of the volunteer experience.
And so, it would benefit charities to foster ongoing engagement by providing clear pathways to develop a volunteer’s skills, opportunities for social interaction, and a sense of purpose in their work.
Focus on Retention - charities should look to prioritise volunteer well-being, offer ongoing support, and recognise a volunteer’s contribution. This in turn could encourage their long-term engagement.
Focusing on volunteer well-being not only reduces recruitment and training costs but also makes sure of a more experienced and reliable workforce.
By fostering a supportive and engaging environment, charities can boost volunteer motivation, reduce burnout, and ultimately achieve their goals more effectively.
How Charities Can Adapt
To adjust to the changing landscape of volunteering, it pays for charities to focus on offering flexible, diverse, and digitally accessible opportunities, whilst keeping volunteer well-being and clear communication at the centre of what they do.
Offer Diverse Opportunities - Provide a range of roles, including micro-volunteering, skills-based tasks, and remote options, to
cater to different preferences and availability.
Leverage Technology – Make the most of online platforms for recruitment, communication, and volunteer management. In doing so this could streamline the processes involved and
expand the charity’s reach.
Invest in Training and Development - Offer training to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge, enhancing their experience and impact.
Recognise and Appreciate Volunteers - Showcase the value of volunteer contributions through public recognition, awards, and other forms of appreciation.
Build Strong Relationships - Foster a sense of community and belonging, providing opportunities for volunteers to connect with each other and with the organisation's mission.
Partner with Corporates - Collaborate with businesses to offer workplace volunteering opportunities, making the most of the employee’s skills and resources of that company.
By taking on these changes and focusing on the evolving needs of volunteers, charities can make certain of a volunteer program that is sustainable and has positive impact, even in light of changing trends and landscape.
National newscaster
Charity Digital explore this and you can read more in there article about some of the new approaches to volunteering and the different ways to recruit volunteers currently trending today.
To
read the full article, visit the Charity Digital
website.
MVA also offers the Medway Volunteer Network Support Hub - a compendium of FREE resources, support and services to free up a charities’ time and is designed to make sure their volunteer programme is a success – and is available NOW at the MVA website.