Ask the Expert: Lori Jean Mantooth — Leveraging Volunteers

Ask the Expert Archive

DECEMBER 2006

Lori Jean Mantooth is the National Service Training Manager at Hands On Network. A Tennessee native, she holds a BA in English from Mississippi University for Women and an MS in Agricultural and Extension Education from the University of Tennessee. Prior to coming to Hands On Network, she coordinated the statewide Learn and Serve program for Tennessee 4-H Youth Development.

Project-Based Volunteer Engagement: Who Will Your Partners Be?
Project-based or episodic volunteering is a great way to utilize today's busy volunteers. Developing and planning this type of volunteerism includes understanding your organization's capacity to partner with other community service organizations (CSOs). Once you have assessed your program's readiness, begin establishing potential partnerships by taking the following steps:

Determine what types of organizations you are willing or able to partner with.
Your program may have some partner relationships already established within your local community. If preexisting relationships are not present or if your program is looking to expand and/or create new partnerships, begin by considering what types of organizations you are willing or able to partner with; these may be other nonprofits, faith-based groups, schools, or neighborhood associations. Additionally, you'll want to verify that the prospective partner organization is 501 (c)(3) registered, as this is the status given to charitable organizations that are exempt and can receive donations. The community service organization must also have insurance, which covers your volunteers and the work being done.

Ascertain the most pressing issues in your service area that currently require special attention.
Then, conclude which of these issues your program is willing or able to address using volunteers and if there are specific issues you will not address.

Find out what kinds of resources the CSO has to offer.
These could be volunteers, books, supplies, tools, project management expertise, or consultants.

Consider volunteer interest and availability.
Where are volunteers located, and how far are they willing to travel to serve? Are businesses, schools, or other potential sources for volunteers located within the areas being considered for service? Are public transportation opportunities available for volunteers who need them? Will volunteers be interested in the issues or geographical areas being addressed? Are there opportunities to engage specific demographics, such as baby boomers?

Determine the type of need your program is willing to meet within the agency.
These could be operational, client services, or building andrefurbishment necessities.

Target specific neighborhoods or regions in the community that are in need of volunteer support.
To learn more about prevalent needs and ongoing efforts within the community, reach out to information sources such as coalitions, community development.

Develop and clarify parameters for the project.
These will serve as general guidelines, outline the requirements of a partner's contribution, and, most likely, vary for recurring projects — versus days of service projects or other program offerings.

Use the following checklist to evaluate a prospective partner's potential. A suitable organization should:

  • Meet a demonstrated need in the community
  • Have a committed staff contact available for the partnership
  • Maintain 501 (c)(3) status or demonstrated stability and sustainability in services
  • Consistently meet all established partnership parameters
  • Offer true collaboration working with the partner rather than being served by the partner

Once you have determined who, where, and how you want to serve, you are ready for the next phase -- contacting potential partners. You can read more on this topic by downloading the Hands On Program Assessment Guidebook.