By Phyllis Riedler
Finding volunteers is not an easy task and once you have them they don't always work out. Can you fire a volunteer? It's not easy to do but sometimes it is necessary. Here are seven steps to help the process.
1. Make certain they are not in the wrong job. Sometimes they may do better at a different task.
2. Listen to both sides of the story. Theirs and the supervisor.
3. Talk to them privately – not in front of the group.
4. Once you have made the decision, don't put it off. Act.
5. Let them know that you appreciate their willingness but that it is not working out.
6. Thank them one last time and inform them that they are no longer needed.
7. If you are using credentials, make certain to retrieve them.
It is like firing an employee, it isn't pleasant but it is necessary. One bad volunteer affects your entire program and can hamper other volunteers. Let's hope you never face the problem.
Phyllis Riedler is founder of event planning company, Riedler & Associates. Previously Director of Administration and Event Management for the U.S. Soccer Foundation (which included planning three national banquets, numerous events on Capitol Hill and in 12 MLS cities), Riedler's career has included serving as Volunteer Manager for the 1994 World Cup/DC Venue, Deputy Director Inaugural Headquarters (Bill Clinton Inauguration), Director of Volunteers for DC United, Director of Volunteers for the Desert Storm Victory Celebration, as well as 17 years as a wedding consultant. Phyllis will be happy to answer your questions about events and volunteers in future columns. Send them to Riedler@comcast.net.