Learning how to build community awareness through volunteer management
The benefits of strong volunteer management can be immediate and obvious.
As Kathriye Strassnick explains, her thoughtful approach to volunteer management also has a wider positive impact when it comes to the work and messaging of McAuley Community Services for Women.
We spoke with Kathriye about her volunteering journey so far.
What is your current role?
Volunteer Program Coordinator at McAuley Community Services for Women.
How long have you been a volunteer manager?
Over 20 years - Like many of us, my pathway into Volunteer Management was incidental, but once I saw the road clearly, I was eager to continue on that route.
In what capacity have you engaged with Volunteer West?
I have attended meetings since commencing my current role four years ago. At the start of 2020, the contact became more valuable as I was not only isolated in my role, but from colleagues. The monthly online networking meetings offered connections and information that I may not have otherwise found. Towards the end of 2020 I participated in the VolBoost Program. This was a great opportunity to take time to reflect upon my role and hear from others.
What do you find the most important part of volunteer management?
Relationship building! The importance of communication, offering and receiving feedback, respect, transparency, reinforcing role boundaries, consultation and collaboration, support and flexibility all contribute to strengthening relationships and engagement.
What volunteer manager skills do you use with your organisation, McAuley Community Services for Women?
My role is to always ask, “What about the volunteers?”. Highlighting how volunteer involvement adds to the work we do and to the broader community is important. The unofficial role of volunteers as ambassadors for McAuley increases the reach of McAuley and community awareness of issues around family violence and homelessness.
For more information on McAuley Community Services for Women, visit here.
Visit our volunteer manager resource page for further information on our Volunteer Managers Network meetings.