Volunteers bring a different perspective to an agency than do employees or clients.
This point of view may result from being less vested in the professional process, or from being younger or older, or from simply having the distance that a part-time schedule allows. Informally and formally, be sure to elicit the opinions of volunteers. This doubles as meaningful volunteer recognition while demonstrating to executives the value of community participation. Make sure that any agency program evaluation includes the surveying of volunteers as well as employees and clients. During orientation, be sure to explain to volunteers how and when to express opinions , both critical and complimentary.