10/2/2015. Using Technology to Enhance Your Volunteer Experience. Overview. Thoughts on Technology and Volunteering

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1 Using Technology to Enhance Your Volunteer Experience Sarah Knochel Covenant HealthCare October 2015 Overview Ways to Enhance Your Volunteer Program Recruitment of Volunteers VolunteerMatch, Create the Good, etc. Online Bulletin Boards Recognition of Volunteers Facebook, Youtube Communication with Volunteers Constant Contact, MailChimp, , Facebook, Volunteer Database Photography Videography Importance of Embracing New Forms of Technology Questions & Answers Thoughts on Technology and Volunteering New technology is making it much easier to keep volunteers in the loop. Social media, texting, and volunteer management systems are important tools for nonprofits to consider these days. Nonprofits can (and should) leverage these technologies to keep volunteers engaged (and improve volunteer retention). Source: Volunteer Hub: [Guide] How to Engage Volunteers (Krista Balbach) Keep in mind your main audience when developing or choosing new technologies. They may have attitudes, fears or physical limitations that may deter adoption. Source: Wild Apricot: [Guide to Helping Your Members Embrace Technology] 1

2 Disclaimer! As a volunteer leader, it is my responsibility to provide communication to my volunteers. It is also my department s responsibility to know the ability of the volunteer and provide various types of communication tools to best serve the needs of the department. Not all forms of communication and technology serve all people. Providing multiple tools and resources creates a more dynamic experience for your volunteers. Some hospitals have limitations on the types of technology used within the hospital. Please work with your volunteer leader to know what resources are available at your hospital! Covenant HealthCare Volunteers Communication Tools Facebook Volunteer Database Constant Contact Total Volunteers % 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Adult College High School What forms of technology do you use? Text Messaging Blogging Facebook Twitter Instagram Photography Videography Internet Research Other 2

3 {enhance} Further improve quality Strengthen Increase or make greater 3

4 Volunteer Recruitment {VolunteerMatch Create the Good Online Bulletin Boards} Free online postings Target specific geographic areas, types of volunteers, groups Posted into local media outlets Connect with students and retired professionals Promote high impact volunteer opportunities Sample Posting Facebook How many have a personal Facebook account? How often do you access Facebook? Does your hospital have a Facebook page? Does your hospital have a Volunteer Facebook page or group? Is Volunteer information posted on hospital facebook page? Facebook Groups vs Pages Groups Privacy controlled Easy to communicate with just members Promote events to just members Cannot schedule posts in advance Can send messages directly to member s inbox Better for communication Pages More options for posting photos, events, links, etc. Can be personalized for your purpose/brand Conversations are difficult to manage [negativity] Needs constant monitoring everything is public Insights and Statics Better for recognition 4

5 YouTube Promote Volunteer Services Spotlight Programs Volunteer Recognition 5

6 Social Media Policy Any situation you encounter involving patients anything you see, hear, do in the care of our patients and any patient contact at Covenant HealthCare is considered confidential and should not be shared with anyone, even if names are not mentioned. This is including but not limited to posting information on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. Sending , text messages or having personal conversations about patients also is prohibited. Constant Contact Mail Chimp Online Newsletters Excellent way to send mass communication Create customized mailing lists for different groups Create in advance and schedule Tracking and statistics Social Media sharing Newsletter Sample: Volunteer Spotlight Sample: Pros Cons of Communication Pros Communicate to the masses at one time Saves time over phone calls Organized/Record of Conversation Easy way to share docs, photos, etc. Portable Cons Many do not check regularly s may be lost amongst spam Young people using less Attachments Less personal Intent may be lost 6

7 Volunteer Database System Best Option for Tracking Volunteers Demographics Jobs Schedule Hours Track Trainings Certifications Orientation Annual Evaluations TB Screenings Flu Vaccines Streamline Communication Newsletters Blasts Celebrations {Birthday} Developing a Communication Plan Explore Communication Types Survey Skill/Desire of Volunteers Create a Plan Timeline Implement Why is embracing technology important? Easier/timely communication Connect and recruit non-traditional volunteers Automation and streamlining of processes Data collection Better reporting More accountability Showcase the dynamic team work with! 7

8 Sarah Knochel Front Desk & Volunteer Services Covenant HealthCare