Our training includes in-services, orientation meetings, manuals, coaches clinics, American Coaching Effectiveness Program, and access to videos, books and guest speakers. Training is an important aspect of a volunteer program because it clarifies what's expected and helps the volunteer to do the job better. However, it is good to remember that people who volunteer don't, in most cases, do so with the intent of going back to school. Don't overdo training, keep it simple and don't expect your volunteers to know everything immediately. Not enough can be said about communication and its importance in whatever we do, including the implementation of a volunteer program.
Communication builds trust and an understanding of others' needs and desires.
Effective communication is difficult to attain, but without it, an organized and efficient volunteer program is unlikely. Memos, letters, flyers and bulletin boards are all methods of communicating with your volunteers. However, rather than writing your message, you may get better results if you say it. Good communication won't happen unless you put forth a lot of effort. The more effort you put into it, the more it will improve, even if only a little at a time.