Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
Executive Director
Nonprofits across the country are showcasing their creative talents to celebrate the contributions of volunteers during the month of April, “National Volunteer Month.” Here at the NRMC we receive quite a few calls from volunteers. Unfortunately, since we’re all about ‘risk,’ many of these callers contact us to complain about how they have been treated–or mistreated–by their nonprofit employers.
We encourage you to celebrate the service of volunteers in fun and creative ways. But before you get carried away with party plans, check out our list of must-do steps to manage the risk of volunteer discontent.
Need help getting volunteer service right at your nonprofit? Join our Affiliate Member program to enjoy exclusive access to our Webinar Vault. Available (free to members), recorded webinars on timely volunteer themes include:
And check out the special Volunteer Issue of Risk Management Essentials. Featured articles include:
“When honoring volunteers, it’s easy to assume that a party or small gift will convey gratitude and fulfill the volunteer. We recommend more meaningful ‘gifts’ such as training, respect, and opportunities to truly impact or connect with a nonprofit’s mission. Just as employees value certain benefits above others, the same is true for volunteers. Most of us choose the nonprofit road not to get rich or to get perks, but because we want to make a difference. Remember to show your volunteers how they are making a difference in your world. Smile often and say ‘thank you’ because “Volunteers are paid in six figures… S-M-I-L-E-S.” (Quote by Gaila LeMaire)
Melanie Herman is executive director of the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. She welcomes your questions about how to manage the risks associated with volunteer service and your questions about the Center’s consulting services and cloud applications. Melanie can be reached at 703.777.3504 or Melanie@nonprofitrisk.org.
“First let me congratulate you on a conference well done. I had a great time at the Nonprofit Employee Benefits Conference and walked away with some valuable tools and questions that we’ll need to be addressing in both the short and long term. Thanks to you and your staff for all you do to provide us with quality resources in support of our missions.”
“BBYO’s engagement of the Center to conduct a risk assessment was one of the most valuable processes undertaken over the past five years. Numerous programmatic and procedural changes were recommended and have since been implemented. Additionally, dozens (literally) of insurance coverage gaps were identified that would never have been without the work of the Center. This assessment led to a broker bidding process that resulted in BBYO’s selection of a new broker that we have been extremely satisfied with. I unconditionally recommend the Center for their consultative services.
“Melanie Herman has provided expert, insightful, timely and well resourced information to our Executive Team and Board of Directors. Our corporation recently experienced massive growth through merger and the Board has been working to better integrate their expanded set of roles and responsibilities. Melanie presented at our Annual Board of Director’s Retreat and captured the interest of our Board members. As a result of her excellent presentation the Board has engaged in focused review which is having immediate effects on governance.”
“The Nonprofit Risk Management Center has been an outstanding partner for us. They are attentive to our needs, and work hard to successfully meet our requests for information. Being an Affiliate member gave us access to so many time- and money-saving resources that it easily paid for itself! Nonprofit Risk Management Center is truly a valued partner of The Community Foundation of Elkhart County and we are continuously able to optimize staff time with the support given by their team.”
“The board and staff of the Prince George’s Child Resource Center are extremely pleased with the results of the risk assessment conducted by the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. A thorough scan revealed that while we are a well run organization, we had risks that we never imagined. We are grateful to know that we have now minimized our organizational risks and we recommend the Center to other nonprofits.”
Great American Insurance Group’s Specialty Human Services is committed to protecting those who improve your communities. The Center team has committed to delivering dynamic risk management solutions tailored to nonprofit organizations. These organizations have many and varied risk issues, hence the need for specialized coverage and expert knowledge for their protection. We’ve had Melanie speak on several occasions to employees and our agents. She is always on point and delivers such great value. Thank you for the terrific partnership and allowing our nonprofits to focus on their mission!