Module 2: Introduction to Volunteers


Major Sections
I. The Importance of Volunteers II. Roles of Volunteers
III. Relationships, Rights, and Responsibilities Time

Time

9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. (1 hour)

I. The Importance of Volunteers (5 min.)

A. In dialogue with the participants, make the following points:

  1. Volunteers are the backbone of any community initiative.

  2. Community partnerships need the leadership and assistance provided by volunteers.

  3. Volunteers help to increase awareness and understanding of ATOD problems, issues in the community.

  4. They help the partnership deliver its message and advance its agenda.

  5. They build a constituency for initiative.

  6. They empower the community partnership.

  7. The provide the partnership with valuable resources to fill gaps in skills, experiences, and people power...the most effective movements/groups are those in which the functions and needs of the body are met by the skills and interests of the members.

  8. They give community partnerships the credibility, support, and human resources that are essential in order for them to advance a community initiative.

  9. They help create a sense of community.

  10. They are a part of, live in, and are concerned with issues that affect them within the community.

II. Roles of Volunteers (10 min.)

A. Identify and discuss the two types of volunteers.

  1. Leadership ...

    ...board member, committee chairperson, committee member.

  2. Unpaid staff ...

    ...program and project worker.

B. Ask the participants to help define the role of a "Leadership Volunteer." It includes:

  1. Policy development.
  2. Fiscal/budget oversight.
  3. Link to community.
  4. Organization's ambassador and program advocate.
  5. Ownership of organization.

C. Ask the participants to help define the role of an "Unpaid Staff Volunteer." It includes:

RS-1: Roles of Volunteers

  1. Program planning.
  2. Program implementation.
  3. Member of program/project team.
  4. Organization's ambassador and program advocate.
  5. Ownership of task/assignment.

D. Compare and contrast these roles.

Refer participants to "Roles of Volunteers" in their manual. (10 min.)

III. Relationships, Rights, and Responsibilities

RS-2: Relationships, Rights, and Responsibilities

A. Refer to the Reference Sheet "Relationships, Rights, and Responsibilities" in their manual.

B. Discuss with the participants.