What challenge inspired this recipe?
One of the long-term volunteers who’s project we coordinate shared how gaining a lot of independence within their project helped them to succeed in their tasks. They shared that when their host organization gave them the trust and independence, they felt valued and respected in their work as a volunteer.
Ingredients :
Nothing in palticular.
Step by step guide
When implementing this best practice, it is important to consider that being a new member of the organization takes a bit of time to find a place and to know how to do the job. It is very important for the volunteers to feel trusted and to work autonomously
Trust your volunteers, after onboarding and training let them conquer and plan tasks independently. Of course, it is important to make sure that the volunteer doesn’t feel alone in their tasks by having regular check-ups together and by offering help when needed.
Important to highlight!It is important to agree on volunteers’ responsibilities and the level of autonomy. Find the balance between what they can do on their own and what needs to be approved. |
Before you start cooking, keep in mind…
This best practice requires careful consideration since volunteers have different needs for independence, as well as some volunteers have more previous work experience than others. This best practice is implemented to support the volunteer’s development and sense of success within their tasks, and hence it is important to make sure that they don’t feel that they have too much responsibility or need to tackle challenges on their own. Hence, regular meetings and open communication is key. Moreover, if the tasks at the project are different all the time, it is challenging for the volunteers to work on their own.
