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Involving All Ages

Tips for Working with Volunteers of All Ages

Explain the purpose of the project and why it’s worth doing.
Be enthusiastic about the project and your part in it. If you’re not excited about the project, your volunteers probably won’t be either.
Let volunteers know what you would like them to do and why.
Make sure every volunteer has something to do.
Find out what volunteers already know (or don’t know) and make sure you give them enough instructions that they can confidently carry out their task. If it’s a new task or is complicated, give them a chance to practice while you’re there to give them feedback.
If possible, work along with the volunteers and be ready to help them as needed.
Remind volunteers about safety procedures at the start of a project and remind them, especially when you see them doing something that’s not safe.
Listen to volunteer’s suggestions and implement those that make sense. If a suggestion isn’t good, briefly explain why you don’t think it’s a good idea.
Get to know the volunteers’ names. Interact with the volunteers and make them feel like they’re part of the group.
Be respectful towards all volunteers and don’t make assumptions about them (youth don’t work hard, everyone knows how to use a shovel, etc.).
Thank volunteers for their time and efforts! Invite them to volunteer again in the future.