Non-Profit News

Lakeland, FL – The nonprofit sector is a hard business to remain in, particularly where funds are concerned. And obtaining the staff to run a nonprofit certainly doesn’t help. But according to Jackie Meyer, a nonprofit professional, that’s where the beauty of volunteer management comes in.

  Jackie Meyer, currently serving as a program specialist for Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, has her fair share of nonprofit experience. Having been in the business for the past 31 years, Meyer says nonprofits cannot overestimate the importance of their volunteers. As a matter of fact, Meyer believes working with volunteers is the best job in the world, and the most beneficial. 

“I like to look past even the tangible results of having volunteers, like being able to stay in your budget. Instead, I think the intangibles are more important: the time, experience, and passion that the volunteers bring with them” said Meyer.

  In spite of the benefits in employing volunteers, both tangible and intangible, many nonprofits struggle to recruit and maintain their volunteers. But according to Meyer, that shouldn’t be an issue. 

“Volunteers, and the population as a whole, are always looking to be a part of something bigger than them. The recruiter must go into volunteer management with that mindset” said Meyer.

  With experience ranging from church ministries to hospital volunteer management, to a program specialist with Girl Scouts USA, Meyer has learned the ropes of volunteer management. She advises all nonprofits to equip their volunteers to make a difference. That, she says, will ensure that they do. 

“Provide an environment where they can be successful and match them with the department that suits them. Then give them a real job because they are not there just to stand around; they are there to make a difference” said Meyer.

  After recruiting volunteers, Meyer explained that nonprofits often have difficulty holding onto their unpaid help simply because they forget to connect with their volunteers. 

“Make sure to thank them along the way because instead of a paycheck, you give them a connection. You have to connect with them to make volunteer management work” said Meyer.

  Finally, Meyer advised nonprofit professionals to remember the power and influence their volunteers hold. According to Meyer, the benefits of volunteers cannot be overrated. 

“Your job is not to get the job done for your organization. Your job is to fulfill the volunteer’s need to serve something bigger than them. Once you do that, the volunteer will get the job done” said Meyer.