JESSICA IN THE NEWS

Jessica was recently quoted in:

The Volunteer Management Report
March 2009-Volume 14, No. 3 edition

Time Management Tips for Volunteer Managers
What are some of the largest time drains of volunteer mangers? According to Jessica White, President, Jessica White Associates (Indianapolis, IN), time drains include not having a good database from which to manage volunteers; actual recruiting of volunteers, because being successful requires one-on-one contact; and volunteers who drop in just to chat, not realizing you have work to do and other volunteers to manage. White answers questions on how volunteer managers can work more effectively:

What would you suggest that volunteer managers do to better manage their time?:

-Invest in good database management software, if you don't already have it.
-Make sure you have clear guidelines for your volunteers so they don't have to ask as many questions.
-Treat volunteers as you would employees; that is, set expectations and hold them accountable for meeting expectations.

How can volunteer managers identify time wasters?

-Keep a log for a month and see how you actually spend your time--this can be truly eye-opening!
-See specific times to socialize with your volunteers and then let them know---tactfully of course-that during other times, you must be working, not visiting.