VO3014 Assignment 2 - Reflective Portfolio

VO3014 Assignment 2 – Reflective Portfolio

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How to encourage the development of volunteers?

During my job as a volunteer supervisor, I discovered the value of fostering volunteer development. To accomplish this, I used a range of tactics to assess the level at which volunteers were working, identify methods for increasing their skills, establish a plan to encourage their development, and provide further help or support when necessary.

I began by observing volunteers' work and evaluated their skill level in their separate areas to determine the level at which they were working. This enabled me to assess their strengths and shortcomings, as well as how I might best assist them (Adams and van Manen, 2017). I also encouraged volunteers to ask questions and provide feedback on their work, which assisted me in identifying any areas where they may require extra assistance.

Based on my assessment, I identified methods for improving the volunteers' skills. I created a plan that included training sessions, mentoring and providing opportunities for them to take on new tasks and responsibilities. I also encouraged volunteers to set their own personal goals for skill development and worked with them to create a plan to achieve those goals.

To ensure that volunteers were making progress towards their goals, I regularly checked in with them to review their progress and provide feedback. This allowed me to identify any areas where they may need additional support or resources and to make adjustments to their training or mentoring as needed (Van Manen,2016). I also provided opportunities for volunteers to receive feedback from other members of the team, which helped to encourage collaboration and support.

I recognized a few volunteers that may have need further assistance or support throughout the assignment. I collaborated with these individuals to develop a customized assistance plan that included extra training and mentoring. I also encouraged them to collaborate closely with other team members who possessed strengths in areas where they required further assistance.

One of the most important tactics for boosting volunteer development was to provide positive feedback and acknowledgement for their efforts. I made a point of recognizing their efforts and triumphs, as well as providing specific suggestions on areas where they may improve (Körkköet.al 2016). This aided in motivating volunteers and encouraging them to continue honing their talents.

Another essential aspect of encouraging volunteer development was to provide opportunities for them to learn and grow in their roles (Farrell, 2019). I organized training sessions, workshops, and mentorship programs to help volunteers develop their skills and gain new knowledge. I also encouraged them to take on new responsibilities and challenges to stretch their abilities and broaden their experience.

One of the difficulties of working with volunteers is that their schedules, commitments, and goals may differ from those of paid staff personnel. To address this, I made certain that training and development opportunities were adaptable and suited to the needs of volunteers (Peacheyet.al 2015). I also made it a point to communicate with them on a frequent basis to keep them informed of new chances for learning and progress.

Finally, I discovered that creating a supportive and collaborative work atmosphere for volunteers was critical. This entailed cultivating an open communication, respect and collaborative culture in which volunteers felt comfortable asking questions, providing feedback and sharing their ideas. I was able to inspire volunteers to take risks, learn from their errors, and grow by fostering a friendly work atmosphere.

Encouraging the development of volunteers is essential for achieving success in any volunteer program. To do this, I utilized a range of strategies, including measuring their level of work, identifying areas for improvement, putting a plan in place to support their development, and providing additional help or support where needed (Nenciniet.al 2016). Providing positive feedback and recognition, creating opportunities for learning and growth and fostering a supportive work environment were also critical elements of encouraging volunteer development.

Providing appropriate and effective support to volunteers

As a volunteer supervisor, you must provide suitable and effective support to volunteers in order for them to succeed and the programme to succeed. To do this, I established a good learning culture, recognized the influence of blame culture, and provided effective feedback to volunteers.

It was critical to foster a culture of positive learning in order to stimulate volunteer development and ensure that volunteers felt supported in their jobs (Fahyet.al 2019). To do this, I highlighted the value of learning and development and developed a culture in which volunteers felt comfortable asking questions, receiving feedback, and taking on new projects. I encouraged volunteers to create learning and development goals for themselves and provided opportunities for them to get training, mentoring, and feedback on their work.

I also understood the impact of blame culture on volunteers and the organization. Blame culture can create a negative environment where volunteers feel unsupported, disempowered, and fearful of making mistakes. To avoid this, I emphasized the importance of a non-blame culture where volunteers felt safe to make mistakes, ask questions and seek support (Whittaker et.al 2015). I ensured that volunteers understood that mistakes were an opportunity for growth and learning and provided support and resources to help them overcome any challenges they faced.

Giving feedback was an essential part of supporting volunteer development. I provided feedback regularly to volunteers, focusing on their strengths and areas where they could improve. I ensured that feedback was constructive, specific and actionable, and I always provided feedback in a timely and respectful manner (Sofroniou and Poutos, 2016). I also encouraged volunteers to give feedback to me and to each other, creating a culture of open communication and collaboration.

To give effective feedback, I used the following steps:

• Set clear expectations: I ensured that volunteers understood the expectations of their role and what they needed to achieve to be successful.
• Observe their work: I observed the volunteers' work and assessed their performance against the expectations.
• Provide specific feedback: I provided specific feedback on areas where the volunteer excelled and areas where they could improve.
• Discuss strategies for improvement: I worked with volunteers to create a plan for improvement that included training, mentoring, or additional support.
• Follow-up: I regularly followed up with volunteers to assess their progress and provide additional feedback and support as needed.

In addition to providing comments, I assisted volunteers in a variety of ways. For example, I developed a mentorship programme in which experienced volunteers could guide and support new volunteers (Heckeret.al 2018). I also made certain that volunteers had access to the materials and assistance they required to succeed in their responsibilities.

Providing adequate and effective volunteer support is critical to the success of any volunteer program. To do this, I established a good learning culture, recognized the influence of blame culture, and provided effective feedback to volunteers (Shulhan, 2018). I was able to stimulate volunteer development, improve performance and ensure their success in their jobs by building a culture of open communication, respect, and teamwork and providing volunteers with support and tools.

To evaluate volunteer activities and achievements in a constructive manner

I had the opportunity to supervise a team of volunteers throughout my placement. It was an extremely fulfilling experience because it allowed me to see firsthand significance of volunteers and the great influence it can have on individuals, organizations and society as a whole. One of the most significant jobs I had was to constructively evaluate volunteer efforts and successes. To do this, I made it a point to consistently document and praise the accomplishments of the volunteers. Whether it was time volunteered or specific accomplishments, I recognized each volunteer's effort and dedication and made sure to express my gratitude to them. I found that this not only motivated the volunteers to continue their work but also fostered a positive and supportive environment within the team.

I also made a point to provide constructive feedback when necessary. This feedback was always given in a supportive and respectful manner, and I focused on providing suggestions for improvement rather than criticizing their efforts (Joneset.al 2019). I found that this approach helped to motivate and encourage the volunteers and allowed them to grow in their roles. One achievement that stands out to me was the successful implementation of a community outreach program. The program aimed to provide support to individuals in need for the local community. The volunteers were responsible for organizing the logistics of the program, coordinating with community partners, and providing support to program participants. The program was a great success, and I made sure to celebrate the achievements of the volunteers involved (Haworth and Bruce, 2015). I recognized their hard work, dedication and the positive impact they had on the community.

In addition to recognizing accomplishments, I discovered that it was critical to consistently stimulate and encourage volunteers. This was accomplished through regular check-ins, feedback opportunities, and the creation of a good and supportive team environment. I made a point of recognizing the volunteers' efforts and the impact they were having on the community. This contributed to the group's sense of community and team spirit, which pushed volunteers to continue their efforts. My experience overseeing volunteers was quite beneficial, and I learned a lot about the value of volunteerism and the significance of recognizing and rewarding volunteer accomplishments. By providing constructive feedback and encouragement, I was able to help the volunteers grow in their roles and make a positive impact in their community.

How to communicate and exchange feedback with volunteers?

Excellent communication and feedback are critical components of volunteer management. During my placement, I learned how to engage with volunteers and give feedback in a positive, respectful, and supportive manner.

First and foremost, I made certain that I provided feedback to volunteers in an acceptable location and at an appropriate time. For example, if an issue or concern arose that needed to be addressed, I would schedule a private meeting with the volunteer rather than addressing it in a group context. This made the volunteer feel more at ease and supported, allowing us to have a more productive dialogue.

Additionally, I always made sure to explain to the volunteer the purpose of feedback. This meant providing context for why the feedback was being given, what specific behaviors or actions were being addressed, and what the expected outcomes were. I found that this helped to create a clear understanding of what was being discussed and what was expected of the volunteer moving forward.

Finally, I made sure to record feedback where appropriate. This could be in the form of written notes, emails, or other documentation (Khasanzyanova, 2017). By recording feedback, I was able to ensure that the volunteer was clear on the expectations and goals of their role, and that we could refer back to the feedback in future conversations to monitor progress and growth.

Throughout my placement, I also learned the importance of active listening when communicating and exchanging feedback with volunteers. This meant making sure that I was fully present and engaged in the conversation, and that I was taking the time to understand the volunteer's perspective and concerns. By actively listening, I was able to build trust and rapport with the volunteers, which helped to foster a positive and supportive relationship. In addition to giving feedback, I also made sure to ask for feedback from the volunteers. This helped to create a culture of open communication and encouraged the volunteers to share their thoughts and opinions. By asking for feedback, I was also able to identify areas for improvement in my own leadership style, which helped to strengthen my relationship with the volunteers.

Effective communication and feedback are essential components of managing volunteers. By giving feedback in an appropriate place and at an appropriate time, explaining the purpose of feedback, and recording feedback where appropriate, I was able to create a positive and supportive environment for the volunteers. Through active listening and asking for feedback, I was able to build trust and rapport with the volunteers, which helped to foster a culture of open communication and collaboration.

Referencing

Adams, C. and van Manen, M.A., 2017. Teaching phenomenological research and writing. Qualitative Health Research, 27(6), pp.780-791.

Fahy, G.M., Brooke, R.T., Watson, J.P., Good, Z., Vasanawala, S.S., Maecker, H., Leipold, M.D., Lin, D.T., Kobor, M.S. and Horvath, S., 2019. Reversal of epigenetic aging and immunosenescent trends in humans. Aging cell, 18(6), p.e13028.

Farrell, T.S., 2019. Reflective practice in L2 teacher education. The Routledge handbook of English language teacher education, pp.38-51.

Haworth, B. and Bruce, E., 2015. A review of volunteered geographic information for disaster management. Geography Compass, 9(5), pp.237-250.

Hecker, S., Bonney, R., Haklay, M., Hölker, F., Hofer, H., Goebel, C., Gold, M., Makuch, Z., Ponti, M., Richter, A. and Robinson, L., 2018. Innovation in citizen science–perspectives on science-policy advances. Citizen Science: Theory and Practice, 3(1).

Jones, C.L., Ksobiech, K. and Maclin, K., 2019. “They do a wonderful job of surviving”: supportive communication exchanges between volunteers and users of a choice food pantry. Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, 14(1-2), pp.204-224.

Khasanzyanova, A., 2017. How volunteering helps students to develop soft skills. International Review of Education, 63, pp.363-379.

Körkkö, M., Kyrö-Ämmälä, O. and Turunen, T., 2016.Professional development through reflection in teacher education. Teaching and teacher education, 55, pp.198-206.

Nencini, A., Romaioli, D. and Meneghini, A.M., 2016. Volunteer motivation and organizational climate: Factors that promote satisfaction and sustained volunteerism in NPOs. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 27, pp.618-639.

Peachey, J.W., Bruening, J., Lyras, A., Cohen, A. and Cunningham, G.B., 2015. Examining social capital development among volunteers of a multinational sport-for-development event. Journal of Sport Management, 29(1), pp.27-41.

Shulhan, M., 2018. Leadership style in the madrasah in Tulungagung: how principals enhance teacher’s performance. International Journal of Educational Management.

Sofroniou, A. and Poutos, K., 2016. Investigating the effectiveness of group work in mathematics. Education Sciences, 6(3), p.30.

Van Manen, M., 2016. Writing in the dark: Phenomenological studies in interpretive inquiry. Routledge.

Whittaker, J., McLennan, B. and Handmer, J., 2015. A review of informal volunteerism in emergencies and disasters: Definition, opportunities and challenges. International journal of disaster risk reduction, 13, pp.358-368.