example, “We need six people to rake and bag leaves,” or “We need three people to prime and paint the fence along the yard.” You’ll be asked to log the hours so the volunteers can take credit for their work. I have heard of some museums that have benefited from vocational training students offering their services like welding a patch, or rewiring a display panel. Don’t approach these groups with a long list of complicated projects expecting instant free labor. Instead, introduce your organization to the instructors. Explain the types of projects you work on and where you need specialized help. You might provide a great real-world training opportuni- ty for a student.
Welcoming New Volunteers
So you’ve tricked, er, convinced a new volunteer to join your ranks. Congratulations! The hard work is done, so you can just walk away now and let the new guy figure out everything on his own. Right? Unfortunately, this is how too many organi-
zations treat new recruits. “I don’t have time to show someone the ropes, I’m already too deep into my project, and it’s too complicated for a beginner,” or, “I’m not good with people, can someone else show you around?” I was busy priming and painting two freight
cars one Saturday afternoon a few months ago when two new volunteers approached out of nowhere looking for something to do. After I poked them to make sure they were real, I put rollers and paint brushes in their hands and we got right to work. We spent a pleasant afternoon chatting and before we knew it, the freight cars had a new coat of paint. And then I never saw them again. Some people get their first taste of volunteering and just decide it’s not for them. Others simply don’t feel welcomed and they walk away. Either way, what can you do to help the new guy feel like part of the team? When I see a new face at our museum, I
try to put aside all of my awkwardness and anxiety about meeting new people and make a point to introduce myself, and let them know what I’m working on. I’ll try to find out what
they are interested in, but most often people are just looking for something to do that makes them feel like they contributed. Having someone new shadow you for the
day is a good way to get started. Make someone feel at home by showing them where you sign in, what areas or projects have certain restric- tions, where the bathrooms are, and where the secret stash of snacks are hidden for the volunteers. Mention procedures for simple things like checking out tools or logging time on a project. Just like the first day on a new job, don’t expect the new volunteer to remember everything. Showing signs of appreciation are import-
ant steps towards retaining volunteers. The gesture can be something as simple as provid- ing cold water for a hard-working track gang, organizing an annual picnic or banquet, or simply walking up to someone and saying, “Thank you.” I also edit the newsletter for our museum, so I make an extra effort to list names of volunteers and their contributions. The key is to try to be as inclusive as possible. Yes, it’s nice that Joe single-handedly rebuilt and restored that steam locomotive, but let’s not overlook Elliot’s efforts to replace brake shoes on the caboose, or even Florence’s help organizing the magazine collection in the library, or the fact that Jim cleaned the tool chest and swept out the workshop, and don’t forget Tony who picks up our empty soda cans and redeems them at the market. Every contribution might not be “glamorous,” but they should all be recognized in some way.
The Secret Formula
Keeping your volunteers active and engaged and making them feel like their work is appreciated is probably the best way to keep them coming back. What’s your secret formula? Please share your experiences with me by email at
otto@railfan.com.
Associate editor Otto M. Vondrak is a trustee of the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum in Rochester, N.Y., and has been an active volunteer with many preservation groups throughout the Northeast.
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It seems like everyone comes out of the woodwork to help out for special events... But how do you keep new volunteers engaged and encourage them to return? OTTO VONDRAK PHOTO
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