Mahendra Fernando
14 November 2019
Mahendra Fernanado is volunteer from Moratuwa. He describes himself as "Married & blessed with two children". Fernando is a retired professional with more than 35 years (25 Years overseas) of working experience in Shippping, logistics & Procurement. He is also a member of UNV Sri Lanka's V-Force & Presently on short volunteers assignment at OMP. You can reach him on +94 775 774 713, or at [email protected]
The below comments were submitted to unlocked.lk by and independent volunteer contributor. To submit your views and opinions to an ongoing Unlocked.lk discussios, visit our submit content page in the menu, or email your views to [email protected].
“It is my opinion that adding “Points” on to a centrally issued Volunteer Identification Card (VIC) map with existing NIC is one of the best ways to quantify each volunteer’s contribution thoughtfully & meaningfully at any given time. It is worth rewarding the selfless efforts of people already volunteering to provide their services to community/society continuously. It is also important to remember that “Great Volunteers are worth more than we think”
Suggest following to be implemented.
Issuing a Volunteer Identification Card (VIC)
This deals with the issuance of a Volunteer Identification Card suitably at a centrally controlled database (National Body) through any NGO or NNGO when the volunteers join the local volunteering sector for the first time. Initial data sheet must be designed covering all data of Volunteers. Primary data should include Age Groups (Children 15-20Y, Youth 20-30Y, Young Adults 30-40Y & Aged 40Y & Above), Their Expertise Areas & other relevant information. Points must be added according to the number of hours they participated for volunteer missions.
Periodically & Regularly (Yearly or whenever possible) the volunteers across the country must be rewarded on National/Reginal Level & Age Levels. This way it encourages others also to get out of their comfort zone and come forward in bettering their communities. The services rendered by volunteers (for free) shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Providing Social Recognition According to Points Earned Through The VIC
Volunteers to be categorized Based on Age Groups
Also, there are many other ways to thank your volunteers.
Paying Attention to the Opinions of Volunteers
Volunteers must not be treated only as tools to help you execute your mission—they must be treated like your own staff members. Get to know the people who are giving up their time to be with you. Ask them about why they believe in your mission and try asking for feedback to show them that you respect their opinion. Send out a survey that poses questions of what they like about volunteering with you, what they think could change and what keeps them coming back.
Highlight their Achievements
Show off your awesome volunteers! Spotlight a group or individual on social media, on your website or in your newsletters. Show the world the cool things they’re doing and how they’re acting out to accomplish your mission. Donors will see that you’re taking solid steps towards creating change in your community, and volunteers will get excited about their 15 minutes of fame. A great public display of affection for your volunteers is a win-win for everyone.
Give them a token of appreciation
When volunteers give you their time, that’s time they’re taking away from their jobs, personal lives and families. While it’s really great that they’re choosing to spend their free time with you, it wouldn’t hurt to remind them that you appreciate their decision to do so. Give them tickets to a show they can go to with their partner, or a gift card to a restaurant their family will love. If money is tight, give them a handwritten thank you letter or an extra day off to catch up on work.
Maintain National level (Centrally Monitored Data Base) for Volunteer Management
Keep a calendar of volunteers’ birthdays and send them a card to let them know that what they do matters and to show that the world is thinking about them. Take note of the skills they presented on their resumes and then remember those when assigning them tasks. Letting them utilize their skills that you genuinely recognize.
Volunteer Recognition, Recruitment and Retainment
Volunteers are essential for non-profits, especially in their beginning stages. But no matter what stage, when a charity receives a generous monetary donation, that is given enough and more recognition. But what about the volunteer who gives over one thousand hours of personal time to an NGO, how is that contribution quantified? Generally, the estimated value of volunteer time for 2017 was $24.14 per hour. It is true that donors deserve recognition for their generosity, however, the volunteers deserve the same amount of recognition too. The cost of the recognition doesn’t really matter. It’s the genuineness of those gestures that count the most.