14 new Silver Partners learn how to recruit, retain, and recognize volunteers

This past October Youthlinc hosted our 2nd annual Volunteer Management Training where volunteer managers discussed how they recruit, retain, and recognize volunteers. Our highly interactive and collaborative format allowed attendees to network while sharing tips and learning from one another. Each attendee became a Silver Partner with Youthlinc and their organization is now more highly promoted to Youthlinc Service Year students.

Youthlinc’s Local Service Director, Jerika Mays, explains, “It is a win-win partnership. Youthlinc Service Year students are looking for great volunteer opportunities and our Silver Partners are looking for great volunteers.” In fact, every Youthlinc Service Year student is required to contribute 80 hours of local service from October 15th-June 1st. Mays continues, “We feel confident sending our students to our Silver Partners because they learned fundamental principles of volunteer management and are committed to helping our students have a positive volunteer experience.”

2016 Silver Partners –

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah – Wasatch & Summit County
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America – Greater Salt Lake
• Easter Seals-Goodwill
• Girls On The Run
• Maliheh Free Clinic
• Neighborhood House
• Real Life
• Shriners Hospitals for Children
• Splore
• St. Andrew’s Food Pantry
• Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry
• The Sharing Place
• Valeo Hospice
• YMCA of Northern Utah

Here is what our 2016 Silver Partners had to say about the training!

“At first people were timid to speak up, but as the day went on, people opened up and it felt like a productive conversation where people were willing to ask questions and share insights. The day flew by and I was interested the whole time.”–Torill Contos, Shriners Hospitals for Children

“I liked the small group size, it was easier to ask questions and get specific feedback with such a small group.” –Jamie Nelson, YMCA of Northern Utah

“I loved getting to know other volunteer mangers who have the same volunteer challenges.” –Melissa Prins, Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry

“I was very excited to find out that there are other places to obtain more volunteer help that we didn’t know about. I plan on using those resources asap!” -Tinisha Turner, St. Andrew’s Food Pantry

“I was able to create a potential new volunteer position description to help with office work.” – Caitlin Christensen, Splore

“The training helped me realize the importance of connecting volunteer tasks to the organization’s mission.” –Shelly Burningham, Real Life

“I appreciated the conversations about treating volunteers like staff members, volunteer position descriptions, and highlighting volunteers on social media.” –Stacy Ulch, Girls On The Run

“The training inspired me to work on our social media, website, and volunteer recognition program.” –Stephanie Goodfellow-Edwards, The Sharing Place

“I have been looking for ways to incorporate regular recognition activities into my program, so that discussion was particularly helpful.” –Lena Bain, Neighborhood House

“I will be recognizing my volunteers more frequently and in more meaningful ways to help them feel valued and appreciated. For example, I want to send volunteers a thank you card after their orientation.” –Torill Contos, Shriners Hospitals for Children