The volunteer handbook I wish I'd had years ago

Hi Reader,

Early in my career, I was told I would be in charge of volunteers. Did I have any experience managing volunteers? Not a wink. Was it a smooth start? Nope...but eventually, I figured out what I wish I had started with.

The reality is, volunteers are one of the most underused assets nonprofits have. But without structure, they become one more thing you're managing - instead of one more pair of hands actually helping you!

What a good volunteer handbook actually does

It's not just a welcome packet. A handbook sets expectations before someone walks through the door so you're not scrambling and they're not confused.

Here's what I'd include:

1. Your mission and why volunteers matter: not a long essay, just 2-3 sentences. People want to feel connected to the work.
2. Roles and responsibilities: what they're actually doing, and what they're not doing. Clarity prevents overreach and underdelivery.
3. Policies and procedures: confidentiality, social media, photo releases, conduct. The stuff you hope you never need but always will.
4. Who to contact and when: a simple chart with names and numbers. During an event, the last thing you need is someone asking "uh, who do I report to?"
5. Appreciation and next steps: how you'll recognize them and how they can get more involved if they want to.

If you don't want to start from a blank page, I put together a Volunteer Handbook Template that covers all of this - fully customizable and designed to take you complete in no time. (Remember to use the code SUBSCRIBER for 25% off!)

Don't worry if your volunteer program isn't perfect yet. The handbook becomes the foundation. Start there!

Cheers,
Kayla