There’s Training and then there’s TRAINING: 8 Best Practices to Apply to Your Next Volunteer Training

Sometime ago, I wrote an article titled What Does Your First Date With A Volunteer Look Like?  where I shared the parallels between the interview process for volunteering and a first date:

• Both parties come together with lots of expectations
• Those expectations often aren’t expressed up front (or not until it’s too late!) and;
• Communication is key!

Well, if the interview is the first date, then a high quality volunteer training program can be the foundation for a Beautiful Relationship.  I was reminded of this last week when I participated in a two day training session for a local organization I’ll be volunteering for. By way of background, I’ll also share that before I was offered the role, I went to an introductory session at the organization’s office followed by an in-depth interview.  That “getting to know you” phase 
should be taken very seriously as well - and with this organization it was.

But back to the training.  Prior to the training sessions, I completed a series of online modules that prepared me for the two days of on-site work.   The training itself was conducted by an outside facilitator, utilized multiple learning styles i.e. group project, individual opportunities and truly encouraged our learning experience as a team.  I found it to be one of the most comprehensive training programs I’d come across in nearly two decades of work in this field.  

My intention wasn’t to do a rave on this terrific organization - I’ll save that for another occasion.  Rather, I wanted to share 8 best practices they demonstrated I’m confident any organization, regardless of mission and funding, can follow when it comes to their volunteer training:

1. Positioned as Mandatory: The training was positioned as mandatory and essential to your success. You couldn’t move forward without having completed the program. 
   
2. Firm but Flexible Structure:  There were ample time and location options to complete your two days.  But they had to be done in succession and in proximity to each other.  
   
3. Organizational Engagement:  Throughout the training, we had opportunities to meet and interact with staff, from field staff to senior management.    
   
4. Interactive with use of Multiple Learning Styles:  As noted, the training utilized online, team and other creative learning opportunities.  
   
5. Reflective:  There were several sessions focused on situations where there’s a need to separate individual values from adherence to the organization’s mission.  
6. Team Building:  The training connected participants with each other and helped us each build a network of support as we step into our roles. 
   
7. Mentorship:  Each of us were assigned a mentor, met them during the training and scheduled a meeting prior to moving into the work
   
8. Acknowledgement:  While it’s not why you volunteer, it’s always nice to hear.  We were thanked throughout the sessions by the facilitator and staff.
   

​Do you have more to add to this last?  Please share away...