How do you get volunteers to participate in decision-making?

1 Identify opportunities

The first step is to identify the areas and levels where you can involve volunteers in decision-making. You may not be able to consult them on every aspect of your organization, but you can find some opportunities where their input can make a difference. For example, you can invite volunteers to share their feedback on your programs, services, events, or communication strategies. You can also ask them to help you set goals, priorities, or budgets for your projects or campaigns. You can also involve them in creating or revising your policies, procedures, or guidelines that affect their work.

2 Use various methods

The second step is to use various methods to collect and communicate volunteer input. Depending on the nature and scope of the decision, you can use different tools and platforms to reach out to your volunteers and encourage them to participate. For example, you can use surveys, polls, focus groups, or interviews to gather their opinions, suggestions, or concerns. You can also use online forums, chats, or video calls to facilitate discussions, debates, or brainstorming sessions. You can also use social media, newsletters, or blogs to share updates, results, or stories about the decision-making process.

3 Provide support and recognition

The third step is to provide support and recognition to your volunteers throughout the decision-making process. You need to make sure that your volunteers have the information, resources, and skills they need to participate effectively and confidently. You can do this by providing clear guidelines, expectations, and timelines for their involvement. You can also offer training, coaching, or mentoring to help them develop their knowledge, abilities, or leadership skills. You can also recognize and appreciate their contributions by giving them feedback, praise, rewards, or certificates.

4 Build trust and respect

The fourth step is to build trust and respect between you and your volunteers and among the volunteers themselves. You need to create a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and respected. You can do this by being transparent, honest, and accountable for your decisions and actions. You can also be open, responsive, and inclusive to different perspectives, ideas, or experiences. You can also foster a sense of community, belonging, and teamwork by encouraging collaboration, cooperation, and mutual support.

5 Evaluate and improve

The fifth step is to evaluate and improve your decision-making process and outcomes with your volunteers. You need to measure and monitor the impact and effectiveness of your decisions and actions on your organization and your beneficiaries. You can do this by using indicators, metrics, or feedback mechanisms to track and assess your progress, achievements, or challenges. You can also involve your volunteers in reviewing, reflecting, or learning from your decision-making process and outcomes. You can also solicit their suggestions, recommendations, or best practices to improve your future decision-making processes.

6 Celebrate and share

The sixth and final step is to celebrate and share your decision-making process and outcomes with your volunteers and other stakeholders. You need to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and successes of your volunteers and your organization as a result of your collaborative decision-making. You can do this by organizing events, parties, or ceremonies to honor and thank your volunteers for their participation and impact. You can also share your stories, testimonials, or case studies with your donors, partners, media, or public to showcase your volunteer engagement and decision-making.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?