Posted 1 month ago to Rules of Volunteering, Part 1

You hit it on the head, Ellen. I work in the offices for a national non-profit, Awake In America, which is focused on sleep, sleep-related issues, and sleep disorders.

One of the things we do is help people around the country establish local community education and support groups. Although each group is operated independently, we provide a lot of information, guidance, suggestions, etc. The one thing we can never emphasize enough, though, is that each group should look for people who are interested in doing certain things -- such as outreach, support (even if it's making a call to someone new to the group a day or two after the first meeting they attend, just to check in with them and see if they have questions) -- and help them focus on their strengths.

By focusing on their individual strengths, you help build a stronger team all around for a small group, which is one of the dynamics in small groups. Everyone comes to the table with their own history, knowledge, and knack for doing things. Every small team can benefit from someone who likes taking the time to write "Thank You" or "Missing You" notes, as well as benefitting from someone who's an organizer. What about the person who is creative? Or the artist? They can all have a unique role -- and in that role, they can shine.

When you find people who are interested, who are sincere, and who are willing to help, find out their exact interests -- not the general stuff, such as, "I like writing" -- and hone in on their talents, their skills, and let them excel. In the process, everyone wins, but people are happy. Happy volunteers stick around for the long-haul. But also by focusing in on their interests, you hopefully give them a level of satisfaction of being involved. Without being committed, without the feeling of belonging, people don't stick around.