Strengthening the connection with AFS

The Participation Step is where the expectations and commitments made during the previous stages are put to the test. Just as in a committed relationship, this phase is about growing together and deepening engagement.

This step is crucial as it encompasses the core elements of the volunteer experience: from Roles and Tasks to Training, Feedback, and more! This is an opportunity to customize the volunteer experience, ensuring that each volunteer feels valued, continues to learn, and remains motivated for the long term.

Questions for Analysis

Assess how your organization supports and retains volunteers by reflecting on these key questions

✦ Are you gathering information on the interests and skills of your volunteers?

✦ How are you recognizing the work of your volunteers?

✦ Which volunteer assignments require consistency, and which are episodic?

✦ What training and development opportunities are currently available for volunteers?

✦ How do volunteers find out about the opportunities within the organization?

✦ Is there a clear pathway for volunteers to grow into leadership positions?

✦ Do volunteers ever propose new projects, ideas, or roles?

✦ How are those proposals received and integrated?

✦ Are volunteers encouraged to provide feedback to the organization?

✦ How are you providing feedback to your volunteers?

✦ What type of data do you currently have on your volunteer base?

✦ What additional data do you need to support your volunteers better?

Recognize Volunteer Contributions

Implement a comprehensive recognition system that acknowledges both major milestones and daily achievements.

Define Roles and Tasks

Develop a Training Calendar

Streamline Volunteer Communications

Create Leadership Pathways

Encourage Innovation and Initiative

Collect Data and Act on Feedback

Stages of Participation

The core elements of the Volunteer Experience:

HRAFSYouth_82carolineperronphotographies

Learning Map

Keeping track of personal learning goals and developing a learning road map.

Roles and Tasks

Assigning roles in which people feel comfortable, capable and valued.

Training

Volunteers must have spaces to develop skills and knowledge to accomplish their goals.

12186436_1092216344135821_3556839902990356298_o

Feedback

Creating spaces for constructive feedback, self-analysis, and growth.

Recognition

We want people to feel valued and appreciated for the effort they devote to the Organization.

HRAFSYouth_100carolineperronphotographies

Leadership Development

Empowering volunteers to grow as leaders.

Playground

Encouraging creativity and exploring new ways to contribute to AFS.

HRAFSYouth_116carolineperronphotographies

Assessment & Data Collection

Gathering and analyzing data to improve our strategies.

Participation

Transforming volunteers into active participants of your organization.