Friday 23rd March 2007, 01:04Volunteers in A4eWhen Emma and I were in Israel we saw the way volunteers add real value to the way a company can deliver a service to disadvantaged communities. I was amazed at the energy, commitment, professionalism and strength of the volunteers. And whilst this is wonderful there was something much more important – they were able to bring the voice of the customer into the delivery team. These volunteers had an insight into what it is like to be on the receiving end of this service which many of the paid staff were unable to present.
I was also thrilled to see the way the volunteers changed the dynamic and the volunteers brought an extra zest to team when working alongside the paid staff.
Some of the volunteers who were ex customers of this company told me how it enabled them to feel “better” about receiving support, if the are able to “give” support to others. This is about giving back pride and self respect. It was humbling to see.
I have been asked how you can have volunteers in a company that sets out to make a profit. Well the best way I can answer this is to give a few examples;
• I have seen volunteers working in a “for profit” company promoting and selling “Fair Trade Coffee”. The additional support and energy from the volunteers pushing and talking to regular customers about the economic impact of buying this product over other coffee drove up sales by 300%. It did not impact on sales on non Fair Trade coffee, but it did give customers who are interested in spending their money in such a way that helps to resolve inequality in poor countries and opportunity to do so. Win – Coffee shop, Win – Customers, Win – Volunteer, Win – Fair Trade Farmer, Win – community with sustainable businesses in there area.
• In a similar way, I have an example of volunteers working in DIY stores promoting the value of low energy light bulbs. The volunteer can stand in the store and seek to encourage customers to take a responsible approach to their own carbon footprint. Win, win, win, win.
I am confident we could add much to the lives of the friends in our company we are supporting by giving volunteers a chance to offer greater 1:1 support, motivation, activities and interview skills etc etc by working in our centres alongside our staff. This is about more not less. It’s about enhancing the offer and lifting our team dynamic to create more win, win, win, wins.
I would really like to speak to some of you who are reading this and think I have lost my mind. Let’s see if we can work on this concept to make it right for A4e.
Thanks
Roy
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