Non-profits typically have little money to hire employees. So volunteers fill in the gaps. A volunteer has the luxury of choosing the type of work that needs to be done, when, where and how often. A volunteer can sign up for a particular task and decline to do others.
That is the beauty of being a volunteer. (Here is a good guide sheet about how to work with volunteers.)
So when I heard that a non-profit had reprimanded volunteers, I was stunned. No, you just don't do that.
Volunteers are golden. They are precious. They will work harder than most paid staffers. They choose to be part of an organization; they don't have to do it. They can fill their time with other activities, yet they choose to donate their time to a cause they feel worthy.
So be kind and treat your volunteers well. If you don't, word will quickly get around and THAT will hurt your bottom line.
MARKETING TIP: When volunteers are happy campers, they can help you promote your organization more than you will ever know. They will help you succeed in your community. If they are unhappy and let it be known, you'll see it in your balance sheet.
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