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Introduction 

Section 2: Targeted Recruitment 

Section 3: Screening Volunteers 

Section 4: Orientation 

Section 5: Supervision 

Section 6: Policies and Procedures 

Section 7: Measuring Performance 

Section 8: 3Rs - Retention, Rewards & Recognition 

Section 9: Relevant Management Issues 

Acknowledgements 

All Contents 

Scheduling

For the purpose of this section we will take the example of starting a beginner level computer training course. In this section we will assume that the course has already been designed and that we are now scheduling the courses.

Things to consider when creating a program schedule based on Volunteers:

1. Individual Scheduling - It has been suggested that Volunteers be scheduled no more than 4 hours per week to reduce burnout.
2. Volunteer Input - Where possible, the schedule should be made with the Volunteer's input. They should choose the time and day of their duties. Reasonably time allotted for the new project would depend on current projects already running and available resources (computers, space, etc.).
3. Volunteer Commitment - A good way of creating a schedule is to start with a weekly calendar and have the Volunteer commit to the same shift each week. Please see Weekly Schedule for example. If this is not possible it may be necessary to use a monthly schedule and have the volunteer commit to shifts on a bi-weekly or monthly basis. Please see Monthly Schedule for an example of this strategy.
4. Program Duration - One suggestion is to have the Volunteer commit to finishing the delivery of the complete class with clients booked on repeating weekly schedules. If the class was designed to be presented in ten sessions then the Volunteer would commit to presenting those ten sessions.
5. Schedule Posting - Schedules should be posted at least two weeks ahead of time.
6. Changes to Schedules - Any changes in scheduling will require an agreement between the Volunteer and program Coordinator.
7. Start Up - Start slowly and build. In the case of the example, start by providing classes on Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm to 5pm with evening classes offered on Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm . This way you can determine need for daytime or evening classes by client inquiries.
8. Volunteer Training and Orientation - There must be allowances for the Volunteer to become familiar with the service before being expected to conduct classes. If we throw the Volunteer into the role unprepared it could create undue stress and a negative Volunteer experience.
9. It is alright to say that the courses are currently full but we are making arrangements to have new courses in the near future. Take contact information and return calls when scheduling the new courses.
10. Standby Volunteers - It is always beneficial to have someone on standby for cases of illness or last minute cancellations. For that purpose, it is suggested that we recruit10% more Volunteers than needed to run the program and schedule them to take on classes wherever there is a need.
11. Schedule by Workload - Schedule should be based on the necessary work and should be certain that the Volunteer has enough to keep them busy. Volunteer participation may well drop off if they do not feel they are making a valuable contribution.
    • In the case of Standby Volunteers you may assign them to assist any persons having a great amount of difficulty as a teacher assistant and be available to fill in for absent instructors. Note that these Volunteers should be aware of their troubleshooting role and not expect to be conducting classes on a regular basis.

 

 

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