I need help! Directions? Maps? Programs?

While the event staff is working hard behind the scenes, your event guests will receive “help” from the mouths and hands of front line volunteers. Ironically, the public face of your event is the very group of people who spend the shortest amount of time each year with your operation.

How do you ensure that your volunteer program is properly positioned to support your event while simultaneously developing volunteers who can meet super human expectations?

The following article and questionnaire provides the opportunity for an internal assessment of your event volunteer management system. Event managers typically have solid measurements for success in publicity, sponsorship and ticket sales; however, assessing volunteer management programs may seem less tangible.

The success of a good volunteer program involves the same key elements of managing full time employees. We will explore the importance of training, defining job responsibilities, risk controls, scheduling, communications and evaluations… all with consideration to tremendous generational differences that add a complicated dimension to volunteer management in 2010.

Are you ready for prime time?  Download the Volunteer Management Assessment questions list to test your readiness. (PDF)

Here are the upcoming parts in this series of articles:
(links will be added as the articles become available)

Volunteer Management Assessment: Proper Volunteer Training
Volunteer Management Assessment: Realistic Job Descriptions
Volunteer Management Assessment: Adequate Risk Controls
Volunteer Management Assessment: Volunteer Management Technology
Volunteer Management Assessment: Evaluation
Volunteer Management Assessment: Conclusion/Questions

Please post any questions or comments below.