Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of any organization, and CFA Institute is no exception. CFA Institute relies on the time and expertise of our volunteers, especially in the society network, and societies in turn rely on your volunteers to pursue our shared mission in your local markets.

With many countries recognizing volunteers’ contributions in the month of April, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for all you do to serve candidates and members and to further professionalism and ethics in the investment industry.

And as you think about how you engage with your volunteers, we wanted to feature the insights of Courtney Neal, CAE, Senior Director, Volunteer Experience at CFA Institute to provide best practices for societies to recognize and re-engage your volunteers. Read on for five valuable tips to consider this month.

We recognize that our society leaders rely heavily on the dedication and expertise of your volunteers to carry out your mission and provide valuable services to your members. However, engaging volunteers can be challenging, especially as people's lives become busier and more complex.

Firstly, it's important to understand why volunteers may disengage. The most common reasons include a lack of recognition or appreciation, feeling disconnected from the organization's mission, and a lack of clear expectations or feedback. To address these issues, I encourage you to consider implementing the following best practices:

1. Recognize and appreciate volunteers: It's essential to acknowledge and thank volunteers for their contributions regularly. This recognition can take many forms, from a simple thank-you email to a formal event or award. Regardless of the method, making volunteers feel valued and appreciated fosters a positive relationship. 
   • We invite you to use our Volunteer Appreciation Toolkit to recognize volunteers in your society on your social platforms. The toolkit includes suggested copy and customizable assets.
2. Communicate the organization's mission and impact: Volunteers need to understand how their work contributes to the organization's broader mission and goals. Sharing your society’s success stories and demonstrating the impact of their work on the local community and beyond goes a long way in helping volunteers see the value—and impact—of their work.
3. Set clear expectations and provide feedback: Volunteers thrive when they understand what is expected of them and receive regular feedback on their performance. Just as employers would onboard a new hire onto a team, it is important to provide your volunteers clear instructions, training, and guidance to ensure they are confident in their roles. Providing feedback on volunteers’ work and highlighting areas of success and areas for improvement helps create a culture of trust and collaboration.
4. Offer flexible volunteer opportunities: People’s lives are increasingly busy, and many volunteers struggle to commit to regular volunteer hours. Consider offering flexible opportunities, such as short-term projects, volunteering opportunities that can be completed online, or event-specific roles, to attract and retain volunteers with varying schedules and commitments.
5. Create a sense of community: Volunteers who feel connected to the organization and their fellow volunteers are more likely to stay engaged. Look for ways to create opportunities for volunteers to connect and build relationships, such as volunteer appreciation events, networking opportunities, or social activities.

If your society isn’t currently engaging volunteers, you can still encourage a culture of volunteerism by promoting the numerous volunteer opportunities available through CFA Institute. We offer a range of volunteer opportunities, from serving on committees and boards to participating in research projects and advocacy initiatives. These opportunities allow volunteers to make a meaningful impact on the investment profession while developing their skills and expanding their network.

In conclusion, engaging volunteers is an important aspect of running of being a society leader. By recognizing and appreciating volunteers, communicating your society’s mission, setting clear expectations and providing feedback, offering flexible volunteer opportunities, and creating a sense of community, you can re-engage your society volunteers while also bringing new volunteers into the pipeline.

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