Working with Volunteers from all walks of life and age groups The Finer Details has been able to establish different types of volunteers at every event. Volunteers can usually be broken down into 3 basic types: The Dud’s, The Floaters, and The Superstars.
There are the Duds, the ones that are there JUST to fill in hours for their school, or their parents made them do it. The Dud’s are not interested in the event, or the people they are volunteering with. These people are usually not excited or happy with any position you give them. Watch out for the Duds, they can ruin the volunteer experience for everyone around them. Remember, these are not bad people; they just don’t want to be there! But if they don’t want to be there, you really don’t what them there either. Even if you don’t have enough volunteers, do not keep a Dud!
Then there are the Floaters. A typical Floater is usually quiet and shy, although can be very social within their own group. A floater can be apprehensive to try new things, different positions, working with different volunteers, and so on. Floaters can be good volunteers; it just takes a bit of work. Find out what position your Floater is interested in. Check in a couple of times right away with them to make sure they are O.K. and to give them any feedback you may have noticed off the bat. If they are a greeter, how’s their greeting? If they are “Volunteer Clustering” (common occurrences during an event) then split them up and give them a new task. Sometimes the best thing for a Floater is to be paired up with someone different.
Last are the Superstars. The Superstar is the supreme volunteer. They are eager to help out and enthusiastic about the event. Superstars also work well with other Superstars and Floaters, so you can mix them up. A Superstar will help out in any position but sometimes really shines in specific spots. Because these Volunteers might have specific interests and backgrounds, it might be harder to spot them. Although usually outgoing, some superstars are reserved and quiet and can be confused as Floaters at first. The easiest way to spot a Superstar early on is that they are attentive to what’s going on, and may have relevant questions or will be taking a lot of notes throughout the training or orientation. Superstars often stand out in a crowd and are the ones paying attention. When assigning positions, they may not always be the first ones to sign up as they are also eager to fill the gaps. The best way to get to know your superstars is to ask everyone why they are volunteering and what there strengths are.
Stay tuned for Tip #3!
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