How do you manage those volunteers who don't choose to volunteer-the non-volunteer volunteer?

Tom@VolunteerPower.com (Tom McKee) — Tue, 8 Apr 2008 09:00:00 PST

How do you manage those volunteers who don't choose to be there? They are volunteering because they have to.

I recently received the following letter in which Dana asks a tough question for volunteer managers. I laughed when I read her letter because I think all of us have been in her shoes. But for the volunteer manager, it is no laughing matter.

Enjoy Dana's letter and then try and figure out how you would answer it. Then after you read my answer, perhaps you have some suggestions. Send them to Tom@volunteerpower.com

The Question

Dear Tom,

First of all, congratulations on the new book with your son ... I read it with interest. I found it easy and fun to read, very insightful, and very practical. As an extremely experienced volunteer (more on that in a minute) and someone who has recruited and managed other volunteers, it gave me plenty to reflect upon!

One question that struck me is what about "volunteers" who are "non-voluntary"? In my own experience, this would include the myriad parent jobs you get when your kid is in the church nursery, the local musical theater company, the soccer team, the school choir/orchestra, etc. etc. You are a volunteer in the sense that you are not being paid for your services, yet you are conscripted into working whether you want to or not. In fact, "bullied" might be a better term!

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How do you manage those volunteers who don't choose to volunteer-the non-volunteer volunteer?