Kathy Cunningham
Where would we be in this community without volunteers?
Volunteers give willingly to support sporting events, churches, animal shelters, schools, hospitals, community organisations including Rotary, the arts and more. We could not do what we do and accomplish what we do without volunteers.
Research studies show that people who volunteer are happier since the sheer act of doing something for someone else takes your mind away from your own worries and just makes you feel better. Volunteers are also part of something bigger and heading towards accomplishing a collective goal.
What makes a great volunteer and what should you do once you find them?
Any volunteer who demonstrates a willingness to help cheerfully and with empathy is worth their weight in gold. A great volunteer asks what else can be done after they have completed their task, helps other volunteers, offers objective observations for improvements and is just happy to help!
The best advice I have been given about rewarding and recognising volunteers' contributions is all about saying thank you and demonstrating your gratitude in various ways. This can be anything from offering petrol vouchers to a thank you barbecue. When Julia Murray was head of volunteers for the New Zealand Masters Games, she created a special medal ceremony for volunteers as her way of saying thanks.
I have been a volunteer at Board level as well as at grassroots, and managed hundreds of volunteers at events and for fundraising campaigns.
The one thing that has remained constant during all these roles, years and activities is the essential act of saying thank you. This, as well as having clear procedures in place for all volunteers is what makes this world go around. Volunteers feel valued and the organisation receives time from skilled, generous and focused people willing to help.
I recently wrote that the volunteers in Whanganui are the heart and soul of this place. If you look at the economic impact alone of the contribution of volunteer hours for most organisations you would have to think that they could not stage such a production without the volunteers. And, you would be right!
Financials aside, since I believe that volunteering should not be measured in dollars alone, it is essential that we look at why people volunteer. Some wish to learn a new skill while others must volunteer as part of a school project. A certain number just want to give back to the community. Volunteers may want to share an existing skill or meet new people. Whatever the reason, a universal feeling of being needed is a significant factor for allowing the volunteers to shine and thrive.
Full disclosure - I am working with the Trust at Bason Botanical Gardens who are looking for volunteers for their Shakespeare in the Park production of The Tempest in February next year.
If you are interested in helping with the production as a stage hand, builder or front of house, please contact Jackie at Jaclynaston@gmail.com, or call me on 021 743 378. Karen Craig is the Director. If you want to audition, call Karen on 021 132 3939. Thank you!