Do you remember your first day volunteering?
Strangers, new processes, a bit of nervousness — and a strong desire to be helpful. At that moment, having someone by your side to guide you and help you value yourself is crucial.
We created this guide as part of our “Volunteer Code” series — a collection of posts about making volunteering effective and sustainable.
Today, we’re talking about training new volunteers. A warm welcome, clear explanations, and attentive support can make all the difference in helping someone stay with the team for the long term.
A small life hack: assign someone responsible for newcomers who will be by their side during the first few times. This greatly reduces stress.
A small life hack: assign someone responsible for newcomers who will be by their side during the first few times. This greatly reduces stress.
Make it a habit that the first meeting with the coordinator ends with these words:
“Questions are normal. Feel free to ask even ten times.”
This way, the newcomer quickly becomes an active participant, not just an observer.
Create a “knowledge folder” or a file with brief instructions (for example: how to pack, how to communicate with partners, how to register aid recipients).
Organize internal mini-trainings. For example:
Create a “knowledge folder” or a file with brief instructions (for example: how to pack, how to communicate with partners, how to register aid recipients).
Organize internal mini-trainings. For example:
By sharing knowledge, we multiply the team’s strength. Don’t be afraid to teach — this is where a true community grows.
