workshop proved to be both inspirational and motivational for speakers and attendees alike.
The list of speakers was an impressive one, with individuals who have volunteered for their membership organisation (BIGGA etc.) at all levels from local right up to national and even international level.
It was interesting to hear each speaker either imply strongly or explicitly state that volunteering for their membership organisation had greatly enhanced their promotion prospects in the turfcare sector, given them greater confidence in difficult or challenging situations and brought greater meaning to their lives. Not a bad return for helping people out a little!
I am left wondering why everyone is not volunteering their time and effort!
I also wonder why some people volunteer first for everything, why some people volunteer for just certain activities and others never volunteer for anything? Perhaps it is a matter of personal courage and confidence.
Yes, there are high rewards but, clearly, some effort is needed for us to access the career transforming and life-changing experiences of the practised volunteer. Or are volunteers a class apart from the majority? Does it take a special person to do voluntary work?
In my experience the majority of volunteers are ordinary and not exceptional people, although their voluntary work can expose them to experiences that are
transformational. In addition, I believe that volunteers (perhaps like everyone else) need the motivation that success brings. I know many volunteers who feel
discouraged when a social or education event they have organised does not get the response they had anticipated.
I also know that spending time with experienced and successful volunteers can be very motivational, hence the need for a ‘Volunteers Workshop’, where people can learn from those who have, for example, increased local event attendances from less than thirty to 130 people in less than a year. In this respect, I am encouraged that the BIGGA Board wants to roll out this motivational workshop to all its sections nationally.
If you are looking for people to volunteer, let me share with you what I said at the recent FEGGA (Federation of European Golf Greenkeeping Associations) Conference in
Reykjavik.
First - that an organisation’s senior volunteers are not at all like the majority of its members, in that they are usually middle aged. They are usually very confident and have a more highly developed sense of duty and responsibility. They are often at, or near, the top of their profession (strong evidence there of what volunteering does for your career).
Second - if my first point is true then senior volunteer Board members are probably, as a consequence, ‘out of touch’ with the majority of their members, particularly their younger members.
Third - better and younger people are needed as volunteers if the turfcare professions are to advance
Fourth, and perhaps most significantly - the main reason better people do not volunteer?
People do not ask them. I was able to put this to the test in Reykjavik recently. I met only one person who volunteered to help advance his profession of his own volition. The rest I spoke to were all asked to volunteer. On this point I would add that it is no good asking for volunteers in a crowd or a group. It is much better to ask a person at a private one-to-one meeting.
So, finally, may I take this opportunity to thank all those people who have volunteered their time as greeters, poster makers, email list compilers, hosts, refreshment providers, coaches, mentors, trainers, speakers, donors, sponsors, reporters and supporters of every kind. Thank you for all that you have done and all that you will do in the future. May you be blessed with many, many additional volunteers to help you in your great work for the turfcare professions. Remember these people are just waiting to be asked!
Frank Newberry has been helping volunteers in the turfcare sector for over twenty years. If you (or someone you know) has the desire to do some voluntary work in order to advance the turfcare professions then please contact your membership association. If you can offer your experience and expertise at Pitchcare seminars contact Christine Johnson at
chris@pitchcare.com
From April to September each year Frank ‘volunteers for volunteers’, i.e. he trains and mentors volunteers in the UK and abroad pro bono, i.e. his work for volunteers is fee free in this period.
You can contact Frank by email or by telephone via the contact tab of his personal website which is
www.franknewberry.com
TWENTY Questions
Andy Johnson - riled by poor workmanship, school opening hours, marker cones ... not a lot then?
Who are you? Andrew Johnson, Head Groundsman at The Blue Coat School (Birmingham).
Family Status? Live with my partner, four children between us - 21, 16 and 14 year old girls and a 9 year old boy.
Who’s your hero and why? My son Jack! Because I got to name him after a famous boxer - Jack Johnson.
What his your dream holiday? Mexico.
What annoys you the most? The hundreds of marker cones and flags left out after training!
What would you change about yourself? Err ... nothing.
Who wouldn’t you like to be? The next leader of Egypt. Favourite record and why? Human by The Killers.
Who would you choose to spend a romantic evening with? The missus.
If you won the lottery what is the first thing you would do? Look after all my family.
If you were to describe yourself as a musical instrument, what would you be and why? A drum - loud and proud and always banging on about standards.
What is the best advice you have ever been given? Lead by example.
What’s your favourite smell? The school kitchen, opposite our shed.
What do you do in your spare time? Getting out and about with the kids and walks with the dog.
What’s the daftest work related question you have ever been asked? Bet you don’t have to do much during the school holidays!!!
What is your favourite piece of kit? The kettle - gets the keys turning and the ears listening.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Honest, dedicated, stubborn.
What makes you angry? Poor workmanship.
What law/legislation would you like to see introduced? School opening hours - 8.00am to 4.00pm ... please!
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