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Tips for Community Leaders: Managing Volunteers

NCJ Number
255234
Date Published
September 2018
Length
1 page
Annotation

This "tip sheet" from the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center suggests how to recruit and manage volunteers in the aftermath of a mass violence incident (MVI).

Abstract

The tipsheet suggests that a local agency be designated to take applications and make assignments for volunteers. Public announcements could be used to solicit volunteers to perform victim services, indicating what services volunteers will perform and where to go to volunteer. Victim assistance professionals should be included in all planning for victims and their families. Job descriptions should be developed for lay volunteers as the basis for matching volunteers to work they are qualified to perform. A contact list of volunteers should be maintained for use in tasks that may emerge weeks or months later. Have a clear policy of professional supervision for all volunteers. In order to avoid volunteer burnout, tailor work schedules to the effort and stress associated with each assignment.