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Orientation and training are important for all volunteers to perform their duties effectively and safely. Providing good training helps volunteers make an impact right away. It’s important to remember that everyone learns differently, and the same format of training may not work the same for each volunteer.

If you want to make sure you’re providing effective orientation and training for your volunteers, take note of these helpful tips:


Keep Training Practical
Hands-on, practical approaches to learning will help you bring training to life. Use discussions, role play, scenarios and critical inquiry activities to empower your volunteers to learn by doing.


Cater to Different Learning Approaches
Some volunteers may prefer visuals to help them learn, while others may prefer to listen. Learning approaches change throughout the day – so ask your volunteers how they like to learn to provide the training possible!


Connect to Personal Experiences
Learning happens best when people can apply new knowledge to their own experiences. Give opportunities for new volunteers to discuss and share perspectives, and for existing volunteers to provide their own experiences.


Think about Motivations
Every volunteer will be drawn to your organization for their own reasons. A lot of these motivations to volunteer can overlap, and you can use these in your training. If volunteers are looking for social opportunities, for instance, give plenty of chances to connect in learning.


Anticipate Needs
Volunteers may be more engaged knowing there’s food on the way, or refreshments available. Others may want multiple breaks to stretch, move around, or even socialize. Think about the needs of your volunteers to provide the best learning experience.


Provide Reminders
It won’t be possible for volunteers to remember everything you teach them. Provide reminders in the form of follow-up emails or messages, additional resources, and refresher training to keep learning front of mind.


These tips can help you develop and deliver volunteer training that will keep volunteers focused and ready to make an impact.