Let the Volunteers Go
Most non-profit organizations require volunteers to achieve their mission. No matter many volunteers an organization has, they are always searching for the next batch to come in and replace the old bunch. That leads to an interesting question: “What is the bigger challenge: Volunteer retention or volunteer turnover?”
It is actually a trick question in my opinion. I believe volunteer retention is vitally important. To make an impact where you want to, you need a strong core group of volunteers. They are your foot-soldiers and your biggest asset. Volunteers are hard to come by and hard to keep interested.
But the point of this isn’t to sell you on the importance of volunteers. It is to sell you on the idea that it is equally important to let volunteers go. Changing the guard in your team of volunteers is important for a number of reasons.
Changes the Conversation
Bringing in new volunteers into the fold allows for the conversation to change. President Lincoln was great at changing leadership in various positions because he just needed to change the tone in his Administration. The same goes with volunteers, especially board. I do understand that continuity is important, but equally important is having a high-functioning group. New people bring new ideas and can break down walls that were built before they got there.
Keeps the Group Fresh
Moving forward with the idea that new people break down walls is the fact that new people are fresh. They haven’t been involved in the battles of the group. The was one of my main selling points when I was running for mayor of Mason City. I told countless interviewers that I wasn’t a “politician.” I was just a guy who cared.
Opens Doors
When a group changes leadership or just brings someone new in, they bring a whole new set of experiences and knowledge. In addition, they bring a whole new network. Solutions may be easier now because of who new volunteers are connected with.
That’s my point. Turnover is okay because of the value of new conversation, keeping the group fresh and opening new doors. Volunteers are priceless and new ones are the most valuable.
(Flickr image via lumaxart)
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