An effective volunteer coordinator encourages her team.
Volunteer coordinators hold paid positions that involve team-building, communicating well with others, and recruiting and training volunteers to assist with various projects. There are many things that one can do to practice the kinds of skills necessary for work as a volunteer coordinator. These exercises can help you to see if the job is a good fit for your personality.
Set Up Mock Interviews
Volunteer coordinators must be able to communicate effectively with varying personality types, from the meek to the gruff. Interviewing is one way to strengthen those skills and get used to speaking with various kinds of people. Many colleges and universities allow students to set up mock interviews with career counseling staff. The University of Wisconsin, Platteville, for example, offers students the opportunity to schedule mock interviews that the student may decide to have taped, an effective way to critique one's mannerisms and body language, both important components of overall communication. If you do not have access to a college or university career center, see if similar opportunities to practice communication exist at a nearby tempory employment agency.
Build Up Volunteer Background
A volunteer coordinator with a strong background in volunteering will be seen as an asset. Such a coordinator can better relate to the trials, feelings and experiences of the volunteers who have been recruited to help with a project, and is also more likely to feel comfortable working side-by-side with volunteers. Build up your volunteer r sum by taking advantage of local volunteering opportunities. Check church bulletins for service projects that need help. Look up organizations that are generally always looking for help, such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters or Habitat for Humanity. Call the local library to find out about tutoring programs. Brainstorm ways to fill community needs. Such experience and creativity will serve as the foundation for your advancement as an effective volunteer coordinator.
Practice Leadership
Volunteer coordinators are essentially the leaders of various volunteer groups. They are called upon to attract, train and work to ensure the continued involvement of a volunteer team. To be an effective volunteer coordinator, you become a strong leader. If this seems daunting, begin with something small. If, for example, you are part of a social group that has been discussing coordinating a dinner party, offer to email everyone some possible dinner party themes and ideas. As people respond, begin to organize the menu, assigning each person an item to bring. Delegate certain responsibilities, such as finding party favors, to keep everyone involved. As you become comfortable with small leadership roles such as this, challenge yourself to take on bigger roles, such as president or chairperson of that or a similar group. Eventually, you will be qualified to take on the leadership responsibilities of an effective volunteer coordinator.
