This page outlines a process to link skilled volunteers with the need of the social service community. This is a pilot project of the Life Solutions Network and Volunteer NKY.
Background:
- The current main process to leverage skilled volunteers is a pull-type process. In this model an organization communicates a need and shares it, e.g. through Volunteer Match or United Way via Board Bank.
- Many volunteers are unclear on how to serve to their potential using their talents. Some want to demonstrate a “resume-building volunteer experience”.
Our Plan: Create a push-based process to enable individuals to make an offer on how they want to use their talents in Northern Kentucky.
Proposed Process:
- Help individuals understand the push/pull options and their goals.
- The potential volunteer submits a proposal using the template (see separate document, available upon request).
- A sponsor is assigned. Initially this is Tony Aloise but others will be sponsors as the program grows.
- The sponsor makes a few direct connections (with Friends of the Life Solutions Network).
- If after two weeks, nothing is defined then communicate broadly to the Safety Net Alliance of NKY (via a SNA alert, eventually, we need to create a web page to post the offers).
- Maintain bi-weekly communication with the potential volunteer until an assignment is agreed-upon.
What skills? There can be hundreds of skills. The idea is to leverage special skills acquired through education or long-term work experience. The above model provides a framework. Here is an example of a “proposal” if you are an HR Leader:
- Design a process for ongoing hiring of staff (or volunteers).
- Evaluate and improve or implement a personal development process.
- Provide training to staff on how to screen and interview volunteers.
We will work with you to develop your proposal.
Next Steps:
- Begin some limited pilots to further learn and define the process and the need. Contact us if you want to participate in this pilot.
- Further engage United Way and others to avoid overlap with existing processes.