How to Make a Good Volunteer Great

1. Recruit Volunteers. Don't wait for volunteers to speak up-take the first step and approach people to serve on a committee or carry out specific duties. Once they have agreed, explain the value of their contribution to the program, and emphasize the importance of reliability and commitment.

2. Match the volunteer to the job. By listening to volunteers, you'll find out why they want to be involved, what their interests and talents are, and how much time they are able to give. Give complete and accurate descriptions of all tasks and make sure the volunteers understand any requirements for training and/or certification, as well as the time commitment.

3. Provide training. Training will enable the volunteer to perform his tasks competently and to understand how his work relates to that of others. While a volunteer may already have great skills and experience in doing whatever job you have assigned him, he needs to know how his role fits in to the overall program.

4. Provide guidance &reinforcement. It is important to provide volunteers with positive feedback and guidance for their jobs. Just as our swimmers need a pat on the back so do our volunteers. Be quick to praise and be sure to provide direction so that these volunteers become increasingly more effective.

5. Share the glory. Volunteers want to feel that their efforts contribute to the success of the team, whether it be a meet or a fundraiser. Be sure to share the glory and the limelight with those volunteers that made the success possible.

If you are in charge of volunteers: The volunteer who feels appreciated is more likely to be productive. Here are a few suggestions on how to work with and keep volunteers.

• Smile
• Greet by name
• Introduce yourself to a new volunteer
• Provide coffee and doughnuts or a soda
• Create pleasant surroundings
• Provide a babysitter
• Accept their individuality
• Maintain safe working conditions
• Recognize and accommodate personal needs
• Invite participation in policy formulation and planning
• Enable volunteer to grow through the activities
• Give additional responsibility
• Provide opportunities for conferences and evaluation
• Enlist them to train other volunteers
• Distinguish between groups and individuals in the group
• Celebrate outstanding projects and achievements
• Take time to talk
• Give informal social events
• Plan ceremonial occasions
• Send holiday or birthday cards
• Nominate for volunteer awards
• Praise them to their friends
• Plan a "Recognition Edition" of the newsletter
• Award special citations for extraordinary achievements
• Promote a volunteer-of-the-month program
• Send a letter of appreciation to their employer
• Write thank you notes
• Say "We missed you"
• Say "Thank you" 

Examples of Appreciation Awards: Framed Certificate of Appreciation, Plant or Flowers, Plaque, Gift Certificate, Coffee Mug and more ...Many gift items are available through the USA Swimming National Headquarters