Effective volunteer management can help a nonprofits respond to a disaster quickly.
With the COVID-19 pandemic evolving and causing concerns worldwide, many nonprofits are trying to navigate the current situation and leverage their organization and volunteer programs to provide community support. Many organizations, managing volunteers, have questions about how to position, adapt, and optimize their volunteer program to be the most effective in times of uncertainty.
The following resources will provide some guidance to nonprofits managing volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to update and add resources below as the situation evolves in the future. Remember, we are all in this together.
Communication with Volunteers
Communication is a crucial component of volunteer engagement. Volunteers look to nonprofits to provide information about opportunities, organizational changes, and current needs. COVID-19 has caused uncertainty for many, and effective communication is a top priority. Now, it is important to be transparent with volunteers and remind them that their contribution will go a long way in providing support and relief to those affected in the community. Here are a few resources to help nonprofits communicate their disaster response effectively.
Communication with volunteers should:
- Provide information about how they can help.
- Provide instruction/flexibility.
- Offer information about other ways to give.
- Be consistent and transparent.
Volunteer Communication Resource:
https://www.volunteerhub.com/blog/communicating-with-volunteers/
Measuring Impact
The current COVID-19 situation is prompting nonprofits all around the world to drive the most impact possible from their volunteer program. Managing volunteers effectively can help an organization achieve goals, obtain mission, and provide relief to the community. Here are resources for measuring/increasing volunteer impact and fundraising impact during COVID-19.
Volunteer Impact Article:
https://www.volunteerhub.com/blog/measure-volunteer-impact/
Increasing Fundraising Impact During COVID-19:
https://www.volunteerhub.com/blog/4-tips-for-fundraising-during-covid-19-pandemic/
Converting Volunteers to Donors
Some nonprofits may experience a decrease in volunteers willing to provide their time during the COVID-19 pandemic. These organizations will still need funding to meet their goals and provide as much support as possible to their communities. Volunteer management software can help nonprofits convert volunteers into donors and vice versa.
Converting Volunteers to Donor Resources:
https://www.volunteerhub.com/blog/guide-donor-volunteer-cross-pollination/
Protecting Volunteers from Coronavirus
During a pandemic, a nonprofit needs to protect both its staff and the volunteers that provide service. The goal is to provide needed support to the community while protecting internal and external stakeholders at the same time.
Consider incorporating the following tips:
https://www.volunteerhub.com/blog/volunteering-during-covid-19-pandemic/
How VolunteerHub is Helping Organizations Respond to COVID-19
VolunteerHub is helping many organizations strategically respond to COVID-19 and continue to engage and manage volunteer supporters.
https://www.volunteerhub.com/blog/volunteerhub-covid-19/
VolunteerHub is Invaluable to Upper Valley Amid COVID-19
Check out this case study of an organization that is using VolunteerHub to create an organized, optimized, and community-focused approach to the pandemic.
https://www.volunteerhub.com/blog/upper-valley-haven/
Tips for Volunteer Managers Responding to COVID-19
During this time of crisis, volunteer managers must have a plan. Below are a few resources to help create a strategic response.
https://www.volunteerhub.com/blog/how-volunteer-managers-can-respond-to-covid-19/
https://www.therenewalproject.com/4-tips-for-organizing-volunteers-safely-amid-covid-19/
https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/3-tips-for-volunteer-managers-responding-to-a-global-crisis/
Official Agency Websites
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Interested in learning more about how volunteer management software can assist in time of a crisis? See how VolunteerHub works.
