The power of people: the changing world of volunteerism, Part Two.

Have you ever considered the number of hours you have donated in service to MTNA? Active membership in this organization, which functions primarily through volunteer efforts, means you probably have given many hours and contributed in a wide variety of ways: serving on a board, planning an event, judging, speaking, monitoring, even cookie baking!

The United States is a nation of givers. Americans donate their time and money to a multitude of causes and charities. The average individual donates 4.2 hours per week and gives because they believe they owe something to their communities. Robert K. Goodwin, president and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation, said, "Volunteering isn't simply something nice to do, it's necessary for the health of our democracy. America runs on the spirit of volunteering."

Yet, in spite of our history of service, volunteerism is a growing issue for organizations such as MTNA. The majority of Americans find themselves living in insecure financial times that require two incomes. As mothers have joined the workforce, the traditional volunteer base has declined.

In addition to economic changes, we are experiencing generational changes. The "Pre-Boomer" Generation is disappearing fast--the generation that believed in service and self-sacrificing for a higher cause and supporting the institutions they believed in. The upcoming generations put a dollar value to their time and ask, "What is in this for me?" and they don't jump behind a cause unless it directly benefits themselves or their children. They are working for balance, setting priorities and making time to have a life outside work. So, while most Americans are willing to volunteer, and are volunteering for specific causes, they have much less time and want to use it where they see the greatest benefits.

This profile can be discouraging to an organization in need of many willing hands, but once we understand why our old methods may not work in today's world, we will be able to devise new solutions that will allow our organization to continue to flourish. If you are in a position where you need people power, consider the following tips for attracting and retaining good volunteers:

Think "outside the box." The organization itself must appeal to those asked to volunteer by being efficient and well organized, it may be time to reorganize the infrastructure and redefine and streamline responsibilities.

Up the "cause ratio." Before anyone will join forces with you, they have to see the value in it and realize their participation will make a difference.

Articulate a "vision." Broadcast in every way available, a vision or purpose and a clear set of objectives and plans for achieving those goals. Eliminate any busy work or duplication of services. Find the easiest and most efficient way to accomplish the goal.

Give clear instructions. Simplify technical information, but give enough "insider" information to help volunteers realize they belong to a team. Give them adequate resources and cutting-edge information that will help them in their volunteer experience and other parts of their lives as well.

Find the right person for the job. Let them know why you want them specifically and how they will make a difference.

Offer "episodic volunteering," where projects have a defined duration. Be careful not to ask them to eat an elephant. Even one bite at a time, an elephant is still an elephant. Give assignments that are reasonable to each volunteer's abilities and time restraints. If necessary, increase the work force or downsize the assignment.

Delegate; don't dictate or micromanage. Give guidelines and goals, and then give them the creative license to do the job using their own knowledge and abilities.

Motivate by pointing out the personal rewards they will receive, such as recognition for their efforts, association with colleagues, sense of satisfaction in their work, increased skills and so on.

Give continual verbal and public acknowledgement. Do not take any act of service for granted; notice and appreciate it.

Although we live in an age of uncertain prosperity and changing values, volunteerism is not dead. There are many willing people, who desire to contribute to important causes and organizations like ours. With this information and with creative thinking, we can find new techniques that will strengthen our profession and our organization.

2004 MTNA National Conference Sessions

On Tuesday, March 30, 9:15-10:15 A.M., Geri Cheney will present "The Power of People: Our Volunteer Forces." The session will discuss the importance of volunteerism to the success of organizations such as MTNA. The changing paradigm of volunteerism also will be discussed during the session.

The Local Associations Forum meeting will be held Monday, March 29, 9:15-10:15 A.M.

This is the second of a two-part series. The first part of this series appeared in the December/January 2003/2004 AMT.

Geri Cheney, NCTM, is an independent music teacher, adjudicator and lecturer. She is president of MTNA's Southwest Division.