Policy Development
An Introduction to Ethics for the Volunteer Engagement Profession
Who do you consider to be an ethical person?
Financial Disbursements to Volunteers: Reimbursements, Payments, and Non-Cash Benefits
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A Note About Terminology
For the purpose of this project and this article, we use the term ‘disbursement’ as a general term referring to any type of financial value provided to volunteers by an organization in the course of their volunteer service, including reimbursement, payment, or non-cash benefits, defined as follows:
Volunteer Handbooks: One Size Does Not Fit All
When it comes to volunteer handbooks, one thing is certain: One size does not fit all.
In this issue’s Along the Web, Faye C. Roberts explains why one organization’s handbook cannot be merely duplicated and adopted by another organization or group. “This should be obvious,” she notes, “but it isn’t.” Roberts explores the Internet for useful resources that explain the purpose and benefits of organization-specific handbooks and manuals. She provides examples of handbook outlines, templates, and content, and guides readers to some good examples of volunteer handbooks that are posted online. In addition, she covers some possible drawbacks of handbooks, and identifies a few concepts that creators of handbooks should definitely avoid (Hint: Shun rule-heavy manuals with an unfriendly tone). If someone in your organization is thinking of creating or revising a volunteer handbook, this Along the Web will be invaluable.
Five Strategies to Shut Down Volunteer Conflict
As every volunteer manager knows, your mission is BIG! It takes a lot of creativity, funding, and work from staff and dedicated volunteers to accomplish. But what happens when those very volunteers detract from your efforts instead of supporting them? Are some volunteers in a heated conflict with one another or, worse, in conflict with you and maybe even the direction of your organization? As a volunteer manager, how would you respond to such a negative but entirely possible scenario?
In this feature story, Marla Benson, creator of the Volunteer Conflict Management SystemSM, offers five key strategies to manage volunteer conflict before, during, and after it occurs.
Conflict and Conflict Resolution in Volunteer-involving Organizations: Western Australia Tackles a Not-Always-Obvious but Persistent Problem
Due to the nature of volunteering, this sector of society is not often associated with conflict. However, like the wider community, conflict within volunteer-involving organisations can be a persistent problem. Although most volunteers enjoy positive and fulfilling experiences and are generally satisfied with the volunteering process, research undertaken by Volunteering WA shows that around 10 per cent of volunteers have been involved in a conflict with an organisation where they have volunteered.
This feature article by Denise Bertilone, the Research & Project Officer at Volunteering WA, describes how conflict develops and focuses on conflict and conflict resolution within volunteer-involving organisations in Western Australia. It examines some of the sources and results, and features personalized accounts of volunteers’ experiences with conflict and its aftermath. It seeks to stimulate discussion on whether or not an independent redress mechanism is a necessity for the volunteering sector, and whether or not volunteer organizations should implement grievance policies and procedures.
Reducing the Risks of Lawsuits Involving Volunteers
Discussions of legal issues involving volunteers are usually conducted philosophically, using generic examples or what-if scenarios. In this feature, Donald W. Kramer, an American lawyer and editor with extensive expertise and experience in nonprofit legal matters, shares actual court cases and reviews their implications for volunteer leaders and volunteers. While all of the examples are from the United States, Kramer's article covers a range of concerns that surface in many countries around the world. If you and your organization tend to want to run and hide when you hear the word “lawsuit,” Kramer’s article, which includes a sample volunteer agreement template, will no doubt prove helpful.
Strategic Plans for Volunteering
It’s good to have a plan. In this issue of Along the Web, author Steve McCurley presents a wide range of global, national and local strategies for improving volunteer involvement – covering pretty much everything from the grand scheme to the minor details.
Paying to Play: Charging Fees to Volunteers
In March 2011, 10News in San Diego, California, ran a story with the following headline: “Habitat For Humanity Charging Local Volunteers: Group Forcing Local Volunteers To Pay Before Helping Build Homes.” The resulting controversy revealed both facts and opinions about “passing along” the costs of supporting volunteers to the volunteers themselves. This practice occurs more often than many realize, and can include expenses for extra supervision for a group project, background check inquiries, special training, or even membership dues. In this Points of View, Susan J. Ellis and Steve McCurley question whether it’s reasonable to levy fees on volunteers, when the expense of hiring paid staff is seen as a budget item. They analyze all of the issues involved, and offer an unusual proposal from a different perspective.