International Volunteer Managers Day (IVMDay) was founded and observed for the first time in 1999. It is celebrated every year on November the 5th. This year, it is in its 20th year, and is under the theme “Change the Tune!” to reflect the frustrations experienced in the sector and giving a chance for us to differently about how volunteer leadership is positioned – in the hope that we can change the dialogue. Read more about it here.
Today we are sharing the stories of Volunteer Co-ordinators across Manchester to help raise the profile of the role and the skill that goes into making volunteering happen! Share your stories using the hashtag #IVMDay2019 and remember to tag us on Twitter!
Name: Karen Brackenridge
Organisation: Manchester Musuem
What inspired you to want to work with volunteers?
My role was a secondment internally via my organisation.....however in my application I did expand on my personal aims that to support and help people explore/develop rewarding volunteering activity that contributes to our venue would be enriching for them and me as an employee! . A basic fact on the other hand is I like people! Our volunteers have all ther own personal reasons to volunteer..but once they are will us the value of our activity is so bonding and we all like care about what we do.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
Good as it can be as far as office work goes for the day but between 1-3pm the volunteers arrvive they are collect there objects and know what they are doing. Being a volunteer co-ordinator, is more than being with the volunteers ensuring they are happy in their role is crucial and if not change it for them!
What is the thing that you love most about your job?
Seeing our volunteers taking ownership of the role and doing it with a smile...meaning I can see they are truely contented with their activity. I love watching them learn new skills and become excited about it..seeing them inspired and boosted... it is so motivating for everyone.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
If the any part of job is challenging them there will be something I am not doing right and that will be down to me..no one else. Losing volunteers to go on to better things is difficult as one has been privilaged and instumental in a volunteers personal growth. Then recruitment carries on with new excitment and energy..so I could say maintainig energy and enthusiasim!
What advice would you give to someone new to the role of managing volunteers?
Manage do not control volunteers! Manage well, Support well, Listen well, serve them well, and you and you organisation will reap the rewards. Be a real team, care and value your volunteers, share the values and stand by them.
What is your favourite volunteer-related memory/experience?
To many..to pick one out! all our volunteers are special and we have lots of brilliant memories. All our vols have their own personalities that shine throughtout the day when they are in. I can say when we have been on a trip of I have hosted a party for them..seeing them all getting along so well.. I know we do have dominant personalities mixed in the groups! but seeing them chatting and watching them take time to enjoy their recognition rewards is everything to me... even calling their names like a school teacher on a coach trip..they make me feel so cared for. they trust me to look after them in my role but they look after me in everyway possible..assembly requests etc..but every single one of them will say " Thank you for oragnising the trip...is there anything I can do to to help YOU, before I go home!!!!"
Any words of wisdom for volunteers?
Volunteers will have the greatest positve human impact on your life in so many ways, just let them in. Earn trust, be trusted and honor trust. Volunteers are people who care....just like me!
Finally, what song sums up your experience working with volunteers?
Our volunteers make me (BEE) the best I can be 2018 was a reward for this! ....and that is my personal statement for anyone who would want to work with volunteers..volunteers are people with lots of personal experience and when they let you in and let them teach you.....then you are can be best you can be!
Spice Girls - Spice Up Your Life
