Bibliography Statistics Inspiration Consultants & Trainers Software Recognition Items Professional Networks Journal Index Links Clip Art Strength in Diversity: How Non-Traditional Networking Can Bring New People and Different Ideas to Your Membership By Jayne Cravens

Too often, meetings of volunteer management professionals are made up of people representing the same ethnic, economic and even age group. This homogeneous makeup is probably not because the association doesn't want diversity in its ranks; more likely, it's because the group's traditional outreach efforts are reaching only the traditional audience. But without new members and new ideas, an association can grow stale, and eventually, may fold altogether. Networking is an easy, low/no cost way to recruit new, diverse audiences for associations of volunteer management professionals, such as DOVIAs (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies). And with the Internet, it's easier and cheaper than ever before.

"...be aware that, in creating a diverse membership and audience, you will have to address a greater diversity of needs and experiences."

However, be aware that, in creating a diverse membership and audience, you will have to address a greater diversity of needs and experiences. For instance, Generation Xers are not going to be interested in a presentation on volunteer recognition that talks only about cute gifts and luncheon ideas; they will want to hear about using the Internet to work with and recognize volunteers, and volunteer events that sound exciting and engaging to their demographic. Also, think about the language you use in speaking with potential new members. What is a volunteer manager? What is a volunteer? Define these terms in your literature and in presentations, so that someone who "just works with an unpaid staff" knows that you are talking to him or her! Once you are ready to embark on diversifying your membership, a great starting place is to create a list of key organizations with memberships made up of youth, seniors, people of color, people with disabilities, and others that may be under-represented in your association ranks. Communities of Faith Churches, mosques, synagogues and other communities of faith all engage in some kind of volunteer management, and represent the gamut of ethnicities and economic backgrounds. Volunteer Fire fighters and Emergency Response Volunteers These volunteers -- and those that manage them -- are usually men, a group that is often under-represented at DOVIA meetings. Student Activity Coordinators at Colleges and Universities Most institutes of higher education have numerous student groups engaged in volunteering, and have young leaders hungry for both great volunteer management tips and the free refreshments at your DOVIA meeting. Activist Groups and Grass Roots Organizations There are volunteer groups for a variety of political and advocacy issues, and the leadership of these groups will represent a variety of people and passions. Business and Professional Associations Looking for more young professional women? Representatives from the high tech industry? Retired professionals? Professionals of a particular ethnicity? Business and professional associations are excellent ways to connect with civic-minded individuals representing a variety of cultures, ages and backgrounds, who are already engaged in volunteer leadership efforts and would love to be made aware of your organization and its services. Compile contact information (name, postal address, fax and e-mail address) for these groups, and make sure they receive regular invitations to your group's volunteer management presentations and workshops. This is an excellent research task for a volunteer, and the World Wide Web makes it a task that can be completed in just a few hours. Regularly send these new contacts information about upcoming meetings and workshops, as well as other services your agency may offer. Make it clear that one does not have to be a member to participate and benefit (but if there is an additional fee for non-members, make that very clear). It's okay to send unsolicited e-mail to these folks if you put all addresses in the BCC (blind copy) line of your e-mail (so that privacy of recipients is protected), and you are up front about how you got their e-mail address and why you are writing them. An opening for such an e-mail might be: "This e-mail is being sent to all of the representatives for disability advocacy groups in Henderson, Kentucky that we could find via the World Wide Web." The results of this new outreach will be immediate: at least a few new people, different from a volunteer management association's traditional audience, will show up for the very next meeting. They may be tentative. They may be skeptical. They may be beside themselves with joy to know that this resource exists! Whatever their reaction, welcome these new folks and encourage their feedback about what your organization offers. Be sure to ask all new attendees to share how they heard about your meeting or workshop. Also ask for their advice in further diversifying your membership, and for addressing the needs of a more diverse audience. They will appreciate your recognition that they have things to offer your organization right off the bat! Members of your association should let these newcomers know that you are available to speak at their group's as well. This type of networking may foster collaboration not only between associations in future activities, but also between individual nonprofits, state agencies and businesses. Be forewarned that these new outreach tactics may be too effective: do you have enough chairs for everyone? Are the acoustics good enough for everyone to hear the presentation, or do you need a microphone? Is the room comfortable temperature-wise with more people? Finally, be prepared for some changes, and potential conflicts, at your association as a result of this networking. Newcomers bring new ideas and new ways of thinking. Veteran members may feel unfairly challenged or forgotten. Good or bad, change can add tension to the ranks. Keeping membership well-informed of networking activities and having leadership demonstrate enthusiasm for the evolving organization is the key to keeping the balance between worthwhile innovations and effective traditions. Jayne Cravens ([email protected] )   Jayne Cravens has directed the Virtual Volunteering Project [http://www.serviceleader.org/vv] since its launch in December 1996. She has presented workshops on virtual volunteering (including online mentoring), online communities and culture, online outreach and community relations, newsletter production, public relations, volunteer management and various other subjects for many organizations and conferences, including the Points of Light Foundation National Conference in New York City (1997) and Orlando (2000), the Texas Governor's Conference on Volunteer Leadership (1997 & 1999), the International Conference on Volunteer Administration (1997 & 1998), American Society of Directors of Volunteer Services (ASDVS) of the American Hospital Association (1999), and many others. A nonprofit professional for more than 12 years, she is a regular contributor to various Internet discussion groups, and facilitates the soc.org.nonprofit newsgroup. Jayne's own nationally-recognized web site [http://www.coyotecom.com] offers technology tips and resources for community-serving agencies, and suggestions for camping with your dog(s).

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