Want to give 100 percent? Find a cause you believe in
Operating for over 20 years in Australia, EdConnect have been conducting incredible work in training and supporting volunteers to help contribute to the education of many young people by providing extra support where needed.
In the role of EdConnect’s Western Region Liaison Officer, Rhonda Velkovski knows full well the multitude of value that comes with supporting volunteers.
We spoke with Rhonda as she shared insight into her journey and her strategies for successful volunteer management.
What was your first experience with volunteering?
Wow, that was a long time ago. It was when I was in secondary school, I assisted my local council with setting up and running a range of different youth week events (including battle of the bands). I guess I have always been involved in the for-purpose sector and have always wanted to contribute my skills and time.
How long have you been a volunteer manager? What skills did you need to learn?
I have been a volunteer manager on and off for about 15 years now. Volunteers are always at the centre of the organisation. Without volunteers, for-purpose organisations would not be able to carry out the amazing life-changing work that they do.
I come from a marketing and communications background and the interpersonal and practical skills used in this area have been crucial in communicating to volunteers and stakeholders about the cause and impact of what we do. Building community partnerships has been crucial when recruiting and placing volunteers, as well as developing and implementing a recognition and retention plan. But most importantly is capturing and telling the volunteer story and experience. Their amazing stories are what keeps me motivated in my role now at EdConnect, the impact our volunteers are having on students at school has been amazing. Schools and teachers tell us about how students have improved in academic skills and gained confidence in their social skills. Without EdConnect volunteers in schools, some students would miss out on the important support they need to help them thrive in school and beyond.
“Being a volunteer manager means having compassion and understanding”
In what capacity have you engaged with Volunteer West?
Volunteer West have been an important partner in the west. In mid-2018, EdConnect expanded their support to the western region and now we have about 25 schools and over 100 volunteers in this area alone. Volunteer West has been wonderful in offering quality training (including the VolBoost training) and they have also been supportive with recruitment of volunteers.
What do you find the most important part of empowering volunteers?
As I mentioned earlier, EdConnect Volunteers are the life-blood of our organisation. They are an asset and an extension of the organisation. I think the most important part of empowering volunteers is to ensure they are confident and clear about their role. EdConnect empowers our volunteers by providing relevant comprehensive training to each volunteer before they commence volunteering in a school as well as ongoing additional training so they can continue to learn and grow. This gives the volunteer the tools, resources and self-confidence to be successful in their volunteer role.
What volunteer manager skills do you use with your organisation?
Being a volunteer manager isn’t just about recruiting, training and supporting volunteers, it’s much more than that. Being a volunteer manager means having compassion and understanding, listening skills and having a passion for helping and supporting people. It means you believe in the cause and have a passion for contributing to the “greater good”. Volunteer managers have the privileged of working with some of the communities most generous people, and particularly in EdConnect, they are skilled and very inspirational. So when you ask me what skills I use... well, I use ALL of my skills.
What is your number one tip for potential volunteer managers?
Find a cause that you believe in and are passionate about because that is what will keep you giving 100 percent. If you speak to any volunteer manager, particularly those who work in the for-purpose sector, they will tell you that volunteer managers often work more hours than they are paid and will always go the extra mile to ensure that our volunteers are looked after properly and recognised for the amazing work that they do.