You ask a great question and I think the answer varies depending on the size of your volunteer base. For us, the bigger we get the more we realize it is unlikely to have a class or hands on training before they get plugged in. What we do is pair them up with another volunteer who is doing something they would like to do and let them learn from them. Staff or volunteer leaders will follow up from there.

Initially, we do make sure our volunteers know our policies and procedures and have a basic understanding of the room and what goes on. The more we grow the more we use our volunteer leaders to help us with a lot of this. For me, the best way to train our new volunteers are to use current volunteer leaders we have. I go into a little more detail on the post called “Volunteer Structure (part 2).”

I know that doesn’t give a concrete answer, but I think it comes down to this…”What do we need to do so that our volunteers are taken care of, passionate, know the vision, support the leadership, and are well informed (all the while being a good steward of their time)?”

thanks!
pudge