If you want to energize a board and other volunteers that are less than, shall we say, impassioned, here are some recommendations to give them a good, old kick (I mean jumpstart):
Offer regular reports on major initiatives that are being funded;
Present campaign updates often;
Explain budget and funding needs more completely;
Clarify what you need them to do…don’t make them guess;
Don’t focus only on fundraising;
Communicate and have more contact with board members between meetings and in different ways;
Acknowledge and give feedback to volunteers who introduce prospects;
Understand board and volunteer preferences and their experience;
Create a board engagement plan critical to motivation;
Encourage volunteers to speak about their passion and commitment;
Tell volunteers about the difference they are making;
Regularly communicate in a variety of ways.
Wow, Ron, these sound great, but could you be more specific or give more detail about these fascinating bullets?
Of course I can! We conduct board and volunteer training to organizations regularly. Give me a call to discuss Rescigno’s helping you jumpstart your board and other volunteers.