Volunteer Accountability

[Theresa Browning]

May I ask for ideas and input from this group on volunteer accountability? I'll be the moderator (i.e. chair) of my church board in 2010, but I currently work with volunteers in my employment and with women's organizations. So often, well-intentioned people don't follow through.

I've practiced steps to remedy this with volunteers I work with by:
checking in with them (frequently) on their progress,
asking repeatedly if there's any help I or others can provide,
setting deadlines,
and generally staying in communication.

Do you have any steps, processes or tips for ensuring volunteer accountability?

[Marita Topmiller]

Over many, many years of working in volunteer organizations, I believe in redundancy. I always
assign more than 1 person to each task. It lightens their load and gives them a comrade to share
in problem solving. It also means one more person will be calling to see what is done. Of course
that is why we love committees. Congratulations, Theresa. Moderating is not for the faint of heart.
Marita Topmiller

[Theresa Browning]

Peer pressure, er I mean peer support! Great tip. Thanks.

[Marita Topmiller]

You are so welcome.

[Jane Howard]

Hi, Theresa...do you have written job descriptions and timelines? I've found that helps a lot, so everyone knows exactly what's expected up front -- it's not foolproof, of course, but it does help. Jane

[Theresa Browning]

With the situation I'm thinking of at church, we do, and you're right - not foolproof but works well in 90% of the cases. That's probably all we can hope for! Thanks, Jane!