For many years, volunteers have played a vital role in county government operations. More recently, taxpayer cries to “do more with less” and a rising demand for services have prompted many local governments to expand the role volunteers play in providing direct services. As a result, many counties are seeking efficient ways to manage volunteers.
With National Volunteer Week, April 21–27, 1996, fast approaching, it is important to remember that a well-managed program is one of the best ways to recognize and show appreciation to volunteers. That includes support from county leaders as well as paid staff who work side by side with volunteers.
NACo's Volunteerism Project offers the following informal test to county officials and employees who would like to gauge how well their county manages volunteer programs.
The first part focuses on county-wide performance. The second part tests your understanding of issues related to volunteer management.
For the statements below, indicate how you believe each statement accurately describes your county. Please note that your county will get a more accurate depiction if results are collected and compared from a variety of people: volunteers, elected officials, department directors, managers and volunteer coordinators.
True = almost always/often;
False = occasionally/almost never
1. County employees have a clear idea of the role of volunteers in government operations. _____
2. County elected and appointed officials have a clear idea of the role of volunteers in government operations. _____
3. Volunteers at all levels feel respected and valued by the county government. _____
4. Managers of the county’s programs agree on the importance of involving volunteers. ______
5. There is one person who plays a primary leadership role in promoting and organizing volunteer efforts for the county government. ______
6. Volunteers and paid staff work well together as a team. _______
7. Stories of the contributions of volunteers are told by both paid staff and volunteers. ________
8. The work of volunteers may be different from that of paid staff, but it is not viewed as inferior. ________
9. The county government strives to continually improve management of volunteers. ________
10. People in county government are interested in learning ways to involve volunteers more effectively. ________
How many times did you choose “True?”
8 or above — Congratulations! Your county is doing a good job.
5 to 7 — Plenty of room for improvement.
4 or below — Your county’s volunteer efforts may fail; contact NACo’s Volunteerism Project for assistance.
For the following statements, please indicate whether you believe each one of them is True or False.
1. You should recruit volunteers to do any job that staff don’t want to do. _______
2. Volunteers are free. ________
3. Volunteers should receive training even if they have experience in the field in which they will be working. ________
4. Volunteers can be dismissed from their duties. _________
5. The best way to recognize volunteers is to hold a big event at the end of the year. _______
6. Successful recruitment is measured by numbers of volunteers. ______
7. Volunteers should be held accountable to their responsibilities. ______
8. No citizen who wants to volunteer should be turned away. _____
9. Volunteers donate their time for a variety of reasons — not just to “do good.” _______
10. Recording volunteer hours is unnecessary. _______
Answers: 1) False 2) False 3) True 4) True 5) False 6) False 7) True 8) False 9) True 10) False
How did you score?
8 or more correct — Congratulations! You have a good understanding of volunteer management.
5 to 7 correct — You’re on the right path.
4 or less correct — Call NACo's Volunteerism Project for information on volunteer management topics.
The Volunteerism Project was established to promote and support volunteerism in county government.
If you have questions about the test, or would like information about establishing a volunteer program in county government, please contact Peter Lane at 202/942-4288.
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