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by Patricia Kimball

Writing this blog is an honor. Being asked to share my thoughts and experiences about volunteerism, social change, leadership….I consider this a huge honor. So, when I sit down and begin to craft my posting, I do so with all the seriousness I can muster.

But today is a bit different. As it turns out, I am on vacation at a small camp in the back woods of Vermont. With no electricity at hand, I have only enough time to write this as my aging laptop battery will spare. I am sticky and warm; the early July heat has made me feel more like sleeping then hiking or adventuring in the woods. And my mind is still on Lisbeth Salandar, as I am closing in on the last chapters of The Girl Who Played with Fire.

Writing a blog about anything related to work seems a bit out of alignment with my current environment or state of mind. Or does it?

One of the things that I love about the work that I do is that it is so closely integrated into my life that at times I do not see it as a separate function or something that I do to make a living. This is precisely why I am perfectly content staring at my laptop screen while I listen to frogs croaking in the pond yards from my doorstep. Working in the nonprofit world affords me the opportunity to focus my time on things that speak to my values, that access the deepest part of me, that allow me to use my skills and interests to further important causes – be they large and universal or small and specific. I don’t have to separate my work life from my personal life, because what I do for work is deeply personal.

This is what I find so amazing about the opportunity to work with volunteers. Volunteers do not come to work for a paycheck. Instead, they come for the opportunity to contribute something of themselves to social causes which are personally important to them. Of course, the details of an individual’s choice to volunteer are as diverse as the skills each individual brings to a job. The commitment to give, however, is universal.

Why is it important to recognize the unique value volunteers bring with them to a workplace, beyond a specific set of skills and an extra pair of hands? Because it enables me to engage the volunteer on a more meaningful level. Asking why a person is choosing to volunteer with my organization or cause allows me to craft an experience for them that is not only satisfying and fulfilling for them as individuals, but ensures a quality of work that benefits my clients in the long run. Volunteers whose motivations are understood, acknowledged and considered when he or she is being placed are more likely to stay with the organization longer, to recruit like-minded people to the cause, and to be an advocate for the organization, clients and cause long after their volunteer experience has ended.

If you are as lucky as I am and consider the intersection of your personal life and your work to be a gift, assume that gift to be what volunteers bring to your organization. Recognizing and acknowledging this will ultimately ensure rewarding experiences for the volunteer, the clients and your organization.

Now, about a swim in that pond….

Patricia Kimball is the owner/founder of Ideactive Solutions and is a featured blogger.

By Caitlyn Horose

I spend a lot of time thinking about issues related to non-profits. I guess it makes sense since I work for three organizations in the sector and volunteer for a handful of others on a fairly regular basis. My Google Reader is filled with blogs about volunteerism, national service, and non-profit management. And lately, a few interesting things have come across my screen. Here are some of my favorites:

The Nonprofit Sector and Community Solutions Act – Did you know that Congress could soon pass a bill that would create a U.S. Council on Nonprofit Organizations and Community Solutions? The Council would look at ways to enhance the relationship between the federal government and nonprofits. The bill also calls for data collection and the creation of an Interagency Working Group on Nonprofit Organizations and the Federal Government that would consider government policy that relates to nonprofits. To learn more about the Act and how it might affect you and your organization, visit http://www.councilofnonprofits.org/nscsact.

Catchafire.org – I’ll just go ahead and say that I don’t quite get it, but there is definitely some buzz out there about this new site that allows volunteers with strong professional skills to connect with nonprofits. The only, umm…catch, is that nonprofits have to pay for the project they want completed. I guess if your organization is looking to redesign its logo, catchafire can make that happen for a much lower price than you’d pay a regular designer. I want someone to try it and tell me how it goes…

The Extraordinaries - This website is also looking to connect virtual volunteers with nonprofit organizations. Building on the concept of “microvolunteering”, visitors to the site can volunteer for a few seconds from their computer or smartphone. Most of the projects involve tagging or cataloging photos – it’s sort of like wasting time looking at photos of “friends of friends” on facebook, but it actually helps out a nonprofit!

Blue Avocado – Ok, so maybe I’m late to the game, but the Blue Avocado blog is my new favorite thing. The articles focus on issues of interest to nonprofit organizations and people that work in the sector. I was particularly struck by Rick Cohen and the “Sacred Cows” series in which he raises questions about some of the unspoken problems with programs and policies that often receive nothing but praise (i.e. The Serve America Act, Teach for America, and L3Cs).

Cities of Service – Ever think that your city would be leading a service initiative and coordinating volunteers? Me neither. But I like it. This new initiative is gaining some interest, though mostly in states with larger cities than we have here in Maine. Maybe we need to think about a “State of Service” movement like our neighbors in Massachusetts are discussing – they are hoping to develop a blueprint of best practices with a goal of improving service in Massachusetts and establishing a state service model for the nation.

There are so many more resources, ideas, and discussions taking place about the nonprofit sector and its role in communities – What have you been hearing about?

Caitlyn Horose is the Development Assistant for Portland Trails and the Chapter Leader of the Maine AmeriCorps Alums. Every six weeks, we’ll see a submission from the Maine AmeriCorps Alum group, one of our newest featured bloggers.

by Mary-Anne Beal

It’s a privilege for me to share my thoughts on the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards.

My history with the award goes way back to the 80’s, before it was even called the GSA or held in the State House. I remember being invited to the Blaine House for tea with the Governor, in recognition of my work as a volunteer. I shopped at Butlers in downtown Waterville for my first grown up suit. It was bright blue and I never wore it again because it was to be saved! I never learned who nominated me and I can tell you I never had a drop of tea, but tears sting my eyes at the memory of how special it made me feel. You see, I never volunteered in hopes of being invited to the Blaine House for tea. I volunteered because I believed in the work that had to be done. I’m surprised that memory still means so much to me.

The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards is an event that is organized and sponsored by the Maine Commission for Community Service. Nominations are solicited from all over the state for several awards including Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, Corporate Volunteerism Award. Peer reviewers work hard to review the nominations and select the winners. Winners and honorable mentions are invited to the State House Hall of Flags for recognition. It’s a powerful event and it’s a humbling experience to create an event that fully appreciates the work of these extraordinary people.

Let’s fast forward to 2008. For the first time since I joined the Maine Commission for Community Service, I was asked to be a part of the planning committee for the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards. I was a little nervous and busied myself with details. So much work went into the event and we depended heavily on the staff to pull it together. (We still do!) Much of this event is a blur except for the stories. The stories change me. Some examples of the people I’ve met include a 90 year old woman from ‘the county’. She and her best friend used to knit baby caps for the hospital. Every year for as long as she could remember they would knit the caps. She cried when she explained that her friend died recently. She still knits the caps every day. (Later that spring, my first grandchild was born. When I met her in the hospital nursery, she was wearing a tiny little homemade knit cap.) Another fascinating woman was last years’ volunteer of the year. A mom who desperately wanted to learn about autism after her daughter was born, was left to travel the country and learn as much as she could as there was so little information in Maine. She made it her mission to bring back this education and share it with other frightened families. She created the State’s largest and most well-respected conference on autism. She runs it by herself. There is no admission fee. She does this because she remembers how she felt when she was looking for that information.

The stories are endless but every year there is one common theme. We bring together the people in this state who care deeply about making Maine a better place. They don’t do it to meet our Governor or to have tea. It’s something they do because they don’t know how to live any other way.

Every year I am moved to tears not only because of their powerful messages, but also because I am honored to be in their company. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the beauty and selflessness of this years’ Governor’s Volunteer Service Award winners.

Mary-Anne Beal is the Executive Director of the Maine Sheriff’s Association and is a Commissioner. She is a guest blogger.

Editor’s Note: The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards were created in 1988 as a way to recognize volunteerism in Maine. Maine’s Roll of Honor acknowledges the outstanding contributions of our most distinguished volunteers.
The 2010 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards will be announced Thursday, April 22nd. Be sure to check VolunteerMaine.org for the list of winners!

by Michael Aiguier

In order to celebrate the work of volunteers in the United States, Richard M. Nixon signed an executive order in 1974 to establish a period of time set aside as “National Volunteer Week”. Since that time, every president has signed a proclamation promoting the week. President Obama did so last year when he signed the Kennedy Serve America Act. Governors, Mayors and town councilman also use the opportunity to promote volunteerism in their community.

Organizations with volunteers use this opportunity to honor those volunteers with awards of many different types. The highest award given by these organizations that is associated with the White House is the President’s Volunteer Service Award. This award is a chance for organizations to bestow national and presidential recognition for their most dedicated volunteers.

Rewarding volunteers for their hard work is always important, but doing it when the nation is focused on it is especially important. This can be an opportunity to honor all of your volunteers collectively or individually, or you can combine both. Having volunteers help you plan the ways to celebrate their achievements and the achievements of their peers is a great way to help ensure that the things you do make the volunteers feel appreciated.

The nation’s increased focus on honoring volunteers is also an excellent opportunity for promoting your organizations goals and opportunities for helping achieving those goals. The entire month of April is National Volunteer Month, and here are a few of the organizations that have opportunities listed specifically for the month on VolunteerMaine.org:
The Owls Head Transportation Museum
The WW&F

The Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine
Friends of Acadia
Heritage Radio Society Inc.

Michael Aiguier is an AmeriCorps VISTA with the VolunteerMaine Project serving at the United Way of Eastern Maine and is a featured blogger.

by Alec Hartman

Digital cameras make photography easy these days, and many, many people take good pictures. So, what makes a photograph really interesting and lifts it above the level of others?

Personally, I don’t think it’s the number of pixels your camera has or how many lenses you use. Someone with a point-and-shoot camera can take a remarkable photo. I believe it’s in the eye of the photographer. You need to see the world from a different perspective. You need to look at the world as if you’re looking through the frame of a camera.

Many everyday slices of life come alive when you focus on them. Sometimes it’s seeing something small that most people miss, sometimes it’s catching the drama of a split-second, sometimes it’s seeing the humor in something right there in front of you.

How do you develop that split-second skill, that ability to see drama or humor? First, take lots and lots of photos. You’re using a digital camera, right? There’s no cost in snapping the shutter. For anyone over 30, this goes against how they’ve always used cameras. When you have to pay for film and then pay for each and every picture you develop, you approach photography differently. Many people say to me, “You must be incredibly patient to get photos like this! Do you wait for hours to catch just the right image?” This is the old way of taking pictures. When I see something that interests me, I take picture after picture of the same scene. It’s not unusual for me to take hundreds of photos of the same thing, one right after the other, changing the angle, the shutter speed, the color balance, and the light exposure. After you’ve taken thousands of photos in this way, you learn which speeds, angles, light levels, etc. work in which way, and give which effects.

Also, this experience sharpens your eye and shows you how things look to the camera. As you develop this skill, you develop the ability to look at the world and see it in snapshots.

Click below to see examples of Alec’s work:

Angel and Spider
Dancing Bear
Asleep

If you are creative, you’ve got an advantage over other people, but even if you don’t consider yourself naturally creative, you can develop your creativity by using your camera often and in many different places.

So keep your camera handy and work it hard! You’ll be surprised what you can capture.

Alec Hartman of Alec Hartman Photography is a guest blogger.

Editor’s Note: Try out some of Alec’s suggestions and submit your photo in the “Volunteers in Action” Photo Contest! We invite you to submit any photo depicting volunteers serving the community. Entries are due by March 17, 2010. Winning entries and honorable mentions will be displayed at the State House during the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards on April 22, 2010. For contest rules and information on how to enter, click here.

By Josephine Cooper and Carl Lakari

Last month, we featured a blog from Project AWARE Coordinator, Carl Lakari. This month, we are featuring a letter from one of their youth volunteers, Josephine Cooper.

I want to share with you a letter from one grateful youth volunteer. Read it, find inspiration, share it with your networks … and please remember the potential that exists in our youth. Carl Lakari, Project AWARE Coordinator

Letter from Josephine Cooper, Age 15, Saco, Maine

Project AWARE is an organization that encourages young people to lead in their communities. For me it has done just that. When I joined the Project AWARE Players in 2005 it gave me a chance to use my creativity to better myself and others around me. I am given the opportunity to speak to young people and adults alike, about the importance of an alcohol and drug free lifestyle, and encourage natural highs, and making a difference.
This is my fifth year being a part of the Project AWARE Players. When I was in the sixth grade, I became the director of the Project AWARE Player Juniors. As a sixth grade student I was given the opportunity to write skits pertaining to issues that I was concerned about. Then, present them to students and adults in a creative and fun way. Throughout middle school, I continued to gain self-confidence and a feeling of leadership through the Project AWARE Players, which now serves to my benefit every day of my high school, and one-day adult life. I now provide artistic direction for the Project AWARE Players.
In the summer of 2008, an opportunity arose, which has proved one of the most influential and unexpected of my life. I attended the Project AWARE Summer Film Institute. There, I was able to use my love for film to make more of a difference than I would have ever dreamed. Another Project AWARE Players member and I created a one-minute PSA about the importance of parent role modeling. This is a topic, which affects everyone’s life, and isn’t sufficiently discussed. Several months after the PSA premiered, my partner and I were confronted with a proposition from Project AWARE, to make our PSA into a movie! After a year of planning, writing, casting, and a lot of learning, the shoot for the 30-minute film began. For a week and a half I, a high school student, got the opportunity of a professional director. I worked with a professional camera crew, and professional actors. Everything I had ever learned about leadership was put to the test. I blocked scenes, called action, and watched the magic of film come to life on the monitor.
Never before have I felt so proud. Not only did I get to direct, but I got to act as well, and prepare for the career I hope to someday pursue. I can’t think of a better experience than to be given the chance to not only wear the director’s hat, but that of a writer, producer, and actor as well. It was an exhilarating process, and amazing hands on experience. I became a leader of an entire film operation, all ultimately geared towards making a difference about an issue I feel is of great importance, while being supported by Project AWARE.
Not only have I learned a remarkable amount, and had such great opportunities from being a member of the Project AWARE Players, but I have also met some of the greatest people I could ever hope to encounter in one lifetime. Project AWARE has supplied me, since I was young, with role models. I have grown up with people to encourage me to make a difference, and follow whatever dreams I may have. Also, people to show me the importance of a drug and alcohol free life, and to teach me that there are so many wonderful things out there to spend my precious time doing, rather than wasting it with unhealthy decisions. To this day, I think back on all of the amazing people I would have never met without Project AWARE and the Players.
How many teenagers have the opportunity to speak to a room full of organization heads, and school faculty, about the issues they feel important? How many young people are given the chance to educate children about the importance of healthy choices? How many people in general learn to really be a leader, and express themselves in a creative and meaningful way? Thanks to Project AWARE, these are all things I can proudly say, I have done.

Josephine is one of many youth “volunteers” at Project AWARE .

Carl Lakari is the Project Aware Coordinator and a guest blogger.

By Martin J Cowling

In a few weeks time, the Blaine House Conference on Volunteerism will convene under the theme: Compassion-Action-Change.

As I prepare my presentations for the conference, I have been reflecting on these three words and particularly the word: Compassion. What is its meaning? What does it mean for our not for profits? For our communities? Our nations?

In Nick Hornby’s 2001 novel “How to Be Good”, he tells of a character who decides to be “good” to the utmost extent. His goodness becomes sickening and suffocating. This is not the sort of compassion we are looking for.

What is the compassion we are looking for?

Compassion is not a term we often hear in business or government. Even in the not for profit sector, it is not always welcome. The word seems to cut across much of how we are told that we “should” behave in these fields. We are told that we are supposed to be “tough, unyielding, undeterred, competitive and focused.” As a result, compassion, for many sounds like a soft or as passive word.

Compassion is the human emotion prompted by the pain of others. The feeling often gives rise to an active desire to alleviate another’s suffering and therefore ultimately to altruism. The basis of compassion is therefore: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.”

This is a value therefore that is fundamental to our societies. Far from being a passive word, compassion implies strength, courage and determination to act. It is definitely neither a sickening or suffocating term.

There are many many volunteers across the globe who show compassion through their own lives.

I was recently visiting a couple who have taken in children into their home. Children abandoned by parents who are unable to care for them. This couple opened up their home and their lives to children who need love, care, good modeling and an education.

In the severe fires that swept Australia in early 2009, volunteers took in and protected Koalas that had been burnt by the fires. In New Orleans volunteers took in the cats and dogs that were stranded in that city.

Compassion drives “Doctors Without Borders” volunteers in Africa operate on people impacted by natural disasters and war, often under the most terrible of conditions. These examples are compassion in action.

When people come to us to volunteer, motivated by the compassion they feel to a person/people/cause or issue, how do we deal with this?

Do they find an organization motivated by compassion? Or do they experience something which undermines that compassion. When people hear about your board meetings, attend your internal meetings or read your internal emails, memos and notices, do they see an organization that’s very soul is one of compassion?

Do they find organizations that help people live out this compassion that they feel? I was working with a charitable organization where one volunteer said to me “I wish we treated each other as well so we treat the clients”. That’s an indictment on that not for profit and its culture.

Do incoming volunteers find organizations that reward compassion? In most volunteer based organizations we reward the volunteers for the number of hours, they complete or how many years they have served. Do we ever reward volunteers on how they live out the values of our organization? Is the “Volunteer of the Year” chosen because they turned up a lot or because their life exemplifies the values wee are seeking?

Our volunteer involving organizations were generally started by people with compassion. How do we maintain that compassion in the future legions of people who follow? Three simple ways?
1. Lets talk about our values including the compassion of the founders
2. Let us deliver our services with those values
3. Let us reward these values

I would be interested in your feedback on how you do this and how we can support each other to do this.

Martin J Cowling is the CEO of People First -Total Solutions and the Keynote Speaker at the 2009 Blaine House Conference on Volunteerism.

By Trudy Hamilton

I’ve discovered over the years that many volunteer programs are steeped (sometimes simmered to the point of curdling) in hallowed traditions and graces ranging from souvenir recognition memorabilia to elegant recognition events to awards named after someone from long ago that no one remembers, except once per year when the award in their name is presented. Now, think of the changing economy each agency is facing. Add to this the fact that the holidays are just around the corner. I know, it is still August, yet I received my first Holiday Card catalog of the season this morning!

So, where am I going with these thoughts? In the past, the agency did the annual recognition event, one for each county, the usual Thank You, and holiday cards. In two years, we’ve moved to one event for all volunteers to attend, kept the cards, increased the informal Thank You’s, and tried to provide memorabilia unique to the program the volunteer was associated with. Driven, in part, by strategic planning, in part due to budgetary concerns, and in part to have change for the sake of change, I’ve been asked to put together a strategic, year-long recognition plan for this agency. Something boilerplate, that can be undertaken by all staff equally, and to be equally enjoyed by all volunteers.

At first, this challenge seemed like the perfect opportunity to institute positive change! On the surface, it seemed like a matter of putting together a list of terrific recognition ideas, and sharing that calendar with the staff who supervise the volunteers. I was excited to have the opportunity to develop standards and expectations for recognition overall. Consistency and conformity would reign supreme! I was giddy to have the chance to put together lists of different recognition ideas, from the free, frequent and informal to the costly and creative celebration.

After mulling ideas over in my head for quite some time, the rest of the story arrived. Those thoughts that niggle in the back of your mind, until they are keeping you awake at night! Was it a good idea to take the creativity and individuality away from staff? After all, they are the ones carrying out the recognition. Can a “boilerplate” design be crafted for volunteers? For every volunteer who finds events distasteful, there are those who think it is the highlight of their volunteer year. For each volunteer who thinks a holiday greeting card is a waste of agency resources, there are those who enjoy displaying them with the rest of their holiday greetings. Even worse, those who have received greeting cards for years, and may think we’ve simply forgotten about them!

Can a better mousetrap be built? How about a plan that focuses on educating staff about volunteer motivation and helps them determine what the volunteer might appreciate? How about providing choices for recognition, and welcoming staff to avail themselves of those choices, or come up with ideas and suggestions on their own? By providing this information, as well as clearly communicated expectations and accountability, I might be on a path that is more enjoyable and rewarding for both staff and volunteers! We’ll see how it works out.

In the meantime, please share your own thoughts, policies, plans, and traditions about recognition by commenting on this entry.

Trudy Hamilton, CVA is the Manager of Volunteer Resources at SeniorsPlus and a featured blogger.

By Suzanne Gastaldo

Successful management of volunteers is key to securing funding. What better way to justify your bottom line. We employ a mere 2.5 full-time positions, but oversee 140 volunteers who successfully implement our mission, fundraise, strategize and direct our organization. Prove you can manage volunteers successfully - audit their time and document it. This type of data tracking and reporting - total annual volunteer hours gives your organization credibility whether you are standing in front of a group to ask for funds or to include in a grant appeal.

Next, understand that no two volunteers are alike. A volunteer over 67 years old has a different agenda then a 25 year old. Maybe your organization has traditionally used all retirees as ours had. The historical demographics of our Literacy Volunteers have been graduate degree/professionals that have retired in Maine and want to give to our communities. They have the time, commitment and even resources to supplement the organization. Well they are the perfect volunteers…..so do you turn away the 30 year old with children in school? Rethink the profile. Restructure your organization to capitalize on available volunteers of all ages.

A balance turns out to be just what is needed. The younger volunteers often offer shorter stints, but they offer new technological ideas, they are sometimes more suited to certain learners. We are offering them training, career experience, and incite into the world of illiteracy. They can develop a new passion for adults who can’t read. We are helping to create a new society. Think globally. The younger unsettled volunteer can require more time but their gains in association with your organization are so valuable. Their next step may be more insightful and more meaningful for the next target of their volunteerism. When you have a great organization that is well run, organized, and successful – it benefits everyone to share the experience. You may be surprised with the unexpected results.

Lastly, volunteers need to be empowered. Allow the volunteer time to create his or her unique experience within your organization. It is when they are free from constraints and rules coupled with appreciation and support for their individuality that they develop as a volunteer who may surprise everyone in the direction they bring your organization. Successful managers keep an open mind. Do you want to learn more about our organization? www.tricountyliteracy.org

Suzanne Gastaldo is the Adult Literacy Volunteers Program Director for Sagadahoc, North Cumberland, and Lincoln Counties in Maine and is a guest blogger.

By Paula Burnett

Come on down! Be a volunteer contestant! Select a door! What is behind door #1, door #2, or door #3?

Ok, the volunteer has selected your door (agency). Now it is time to “make a deal” to cement this relationship and keep that volunteer coming back. Ahhhhhhhh, retention is the real name of the game. How many times each day do volunteers consider themselves unnoticed, unappreciated, unrecognized, and just leave? It happens all the time…more than you may realize. The deal is volunteers are not staff, which volunteer supervisors sometimes forget, and the reasons for being a volunteer vary from the sheer joy of doing an activity to a feeling of belongingness to leaving a legacy for future generations. Smiles, thank you’s, sincere feedback, and listening to their suggestions on a regular basis go a long way in terms of retaining volunteers and recruiting new volunteers via their comments to friends, family, and other community members. Put yourself in the shoes of your volunteer’s experience at the site….how would you like to be treated and remembered?

Here are a few volunteer testimonials for why Senior Corps volunteers choose to serve. These are gentle reminders for all of us in volunteer management.

Door #1 Senior Companion Program - “After I retired, I really didn’t know what to do with myself. I really felt depressed and useless, often looking out the window and wondering why I felt so down. Someone told me about SCP so I decided to volunteer. I don’t know that I would be here today if I had not gotten out and started to help other people. I have purpose and enjoy visiting others. Some days when it’s hard to get going, I think of the people who are waiting for me to visit and it really gets me moving. Somebody really needs me.” - Ed Morrissey

“Doing what I am doing has made my life so much better.” - Kay Newman

Door #2 Foster Grandparent Program - “I have grown in many ways. The students and teachers make me feel special every day…It’s been a privilege for me to be a part of FGP. We don’t have the responsibilities the staff has, but I believe we help so they can do what they need to do as they teach the kids to be intelligent, responsible adults. They [the children] are our future; we need to take care of them. They will need all the help we can give them.” – Prudy Turner

Door #3 Retired and Senior Volunteer Program – “Volunteering is fulfillment for my heart and allows me to meet the needs of my community.” - Edith Hussey

In conclusion and celebration of Senior Corps Week, I would like to take this time to encourage all volunteer managers to review the promises, trainings, and tasks that were set forth for their volunteers when the volunteers started serving. In other words, have you lived up to the DEAL you made with your volunteers? Perhaps, it is time to make a new DEAL.

Paula Burnett is a RSVP Director at the UMaine Center on Aging RSVP and a guest blogger.