Volunteering
NFFT has created a Volunteer Resource Kit and a Quick Reference Guide to support Student Nutrition Programs in Northumberland County. Below, we have broken up each section of the Resource Kit for your convenience.
Volunteer Recruitment
Volunteer Orientation
Volunteer Training
Volunteer Retention
Volunteer Recognition
Sample Forms
Volunteer Recruitment
Recruitment is an on-going process. Always be on the lookout for people who have the skills, interest and desire to support the program.
Four recruitment methods
Direct ask – to ask another individual or a group in a face to face situation.
Indirect ask – to use a letter or the media or a newsletter to get a message out.
Delegated – to use other volunteers to seek new recruits or post available positions in the school newsletter or bulletin board.
Targeted – to take the position description and the skills that are identified and target someone specifically who has those skills.
For more tips on recruiting, check out this Volunteer Recruitment factsheet.
Volunteer Orientation
Orientation gives people the information necessary to make them feel comfortable and knowledgeable about the work they are about to start.
In an effective orientation a volunteer should:
- begin to feel part of the team
- have decreased feelings of anxiety about joining a new group
- have been impressed with a positive first impression
- have renewed their commitment
- be knowledgeable about the goals and expectations of the program
- be comfortable to ask questions
What should the orientation cover? How do I conduct an orientation? Check out this Volunteer Orientation factsheet.
Volunteer Training
Volunteers should have specific training on:
- School Safety and Emergency Procedures
- Safe Food Handling
- Nutrition and Menu Planning
- School Student Behavior Policy
Check out this factsheet on Volunteer Training.
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Volunteer Retention
Create a quality volunteer experience so that volunteers will keep coming back to help out:
- Meet volunteer expectations
- Provide the right amount of supervision, support and recognition
- Make volunteers feel part of a team
- Give volunteers respect and involve them in decision-making
- Provide meaningful work
- Ensure their time is well spent
For more tips on retaining volunteers check out the Volunteer Retention Factsheet.
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Volunteer Recognition
Recognize and reward volunteers for their time and experience. How you recognize volunteers is an important ingredient in retaining them. Recruitment, recognition and retention are all tied together.
Recognition can be both formal and informal.
Recognition should be consistent, appropriate and meaningful.
Recognition is individual.
For more tips check out the volunteer recognition factsheet.
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Sample Forms
A sample volunteer checklist, volunteer registration information, work schedule, and a volunteer contact sheet are created to help you with your volunteers. Feel free to modify them to suit your needs. Click here to download the sample forms.
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