Volunteer Leaders

One of the benefits of travelling the continent for conferences, consultations, and workshops is that I get to meet so many dedicated professionals, passionately engaging volunteers to help make the world a better place. Just last month, I was at the National Council on Aging conference in Chicago and met Jenni Frumer, who is one of those dedicated and passionate professionals. Jenni is Associate Executive Director of the Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service in West Palm Beach, Florida and she is doing some impressive and innovative work with volunteers and older adults. She agreed to be interviewed so we could feature her organization as a case study in our blog. We believe the program will inspire you to utilize volunteers in similar grassroots, impactful programs – and to share your stories of your success on this blog, too. JFFixler Blogger Beth Steinhorn interviewed Jenni recently. Here are some highlights from their conversation.

Evaluation. Performance measurement. Outcomes-based assessment. These are all phrases we talk about frequently – and we repeatedly hear in conversations as we attend conferences, consult with clients, and confer with colleagues.Last week’s Chronicle of Philanthropy featured Patrick Corvington, the new head of the Corporation for National & Community Service, as he discussed his goals of shifting the Corporation toward a more outcomes-based culture. After reading that article and this blog, talk with your staff and volunteers about what it would mean to take this to the next level by cultivating volunteer leaders to help actualize those outcomes.

Last week, millions watched the popular television show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, when the “TV formula” of one lucky family receiving a complete home renovation/reconstruction reached new heights and an entire neighborhood received a facelift. How did they go from reconstructing one house to renovating an entire neighborhood? They did it through the help of an unprecedented number of volunteers.