By: Marva Mount, MA, CCC-SLP, Vice President of Professional Services
As I enter the role of Vice President of Professional Services at the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA), I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the extraordinary contributions of our volunteers. Beyond the invaluable hours they dedicate, I've come to recognize a profound truth: Our volunteers are a reservoir of untapped talent, a force multiplier that deserves our unwavering appreciation and strategic cultivation.
Often, we perceive volunteers as simply filling gaps and addressing immediate needs. While their hands-on support is undeniably crucial, we must shift our perspective. We need to see them as individuals with diverse skills, rich experiences, and a genuine passion for our mission. We need to see them as talent.
Beyond the Task: Recognizing the Skillset
Our volunteers are not just willing hands; they are:
- Experienced professionals. Retired executives, educators, and industry experts bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can significantly enhance our operations. Imagine a retired marketing director lending their strategic insight to our outreach efforts or a former teacher developing engaging educational programs.
- Creative innovators. Artists, writers, and designers contribute their creative talents to our communication materials, event planning, and program development. Their fresh perspectives can breathe new life into our initiatives.
- Passionate advocates. Volunteers are often our most fervent advocates, spreading awareness and mobilizing support within their networks. Their passion is contagious and can inspire others to join our cause.
- Dedicated problem-solvers. Faced with challenges, volunteers often demonstrate remarkable resourcefulness and problem-solving skills. Their diverse backgrounds allow them to approach issues from unique angles, leading to innovative solutions.
- Future leaders. Volunteering is a powerful training ground. Many volunteers possess the leadership potential to take on greater responsibilities within our organization. By providing opportunities for growth and development, we can cultivate our next generation of leaders.
Cultivating Volunteer Talent: A Strategic Imperative
To fully leverage the talent of our volunteers, we must move beyond transactional engagement and embrace a strategic approach:
- Skill-based volunteering. Identify the specific skills and expertise needed within our organization and match volunteers accordingly. This ensures that their talents are utilized effectively and that they feel valued for their contributions.
- Professional development opportunities. Provide volunteers with opportunities to enhance their skills through training workshops, mentorship programs, and leadership development initiatives.
- Meaningful recognition and appreciation. Acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of our volunteers in a meaningful way. This includes public recognition, personalized thank-you notes, and opportunities for advancement.
- Empowerment and ownership. Give volunteers a sense of ownership over their work and empower them to make decisions and take initiative.
- Feedback and open communication. Create a culture of open communication and feedback, where volunteers feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns.
The Return on Investment
Investing in the talent of our volunteers is not just a feel-good initiative; it's a strategic imperative. By recognizing and cultivating their potential, we can:
- Increase our organizational capacity and impact.
- Enhance the quality of our programs and services.
- Strengthen our community connections.
- Build a more engaged and motivated volunteer base.
As a vice president for this organization, I urge you to join me in recognizing the true talent of our volunteers. Let us create an environment where their skills are valued, their contributions are celebrated, and their potential is fully realized. Together, we can unlock the extraordinary power of volunteerism and achieve our shared mission for TSHA, an organization that has shaped so many professionals since its inception.