The 27 Best Practices of High Performing Volunteer Organizations

Simple ways to increase the odds of your non-profit succeeding

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Unless you’ve been in a coma your entire life chances are good that at some time in your life you’ve been a volunteer for a non-profit organization.

That’s the good news.

The not-so-good news is that many volunteer organizations, without knowing it, sabotage the value their volunteers bring to the table and that you, as a result, may have backed off, gone south, or found yourself grumbling to the other volunteers.

I’ve recently done some research on the subject and have identified 27 best practices that high performing volunteer organizations abide by. Take a look at the list below. Then volunteer to share what you learn with the leaders of the volunteer organization that YOU would like to see succeed at a higher level. We are all in this together.

1. Clearly (and often) communicate the vision

2. Provide clearly written job descriptions

3. Take the time to authentically welcome volunteers and orient them to their new role

4. Ensure that volunteers know exactly what’s expected of them