Climate Showcase Communities
    Local Climate and Energy Program
                                 Effective Practices for Implementing  Local
                                 Climate and Energy Programs:
                                 Working with Volunteers
 Lessons Learned by Communities for Communities
 The views expressed in this document are those of the Climate Showcase Communities grant recipients. U.S. EPA does not endorse any
 products or commercial services mentioned.
WHAT IS IT?
Volunteers can extend the reach of programs by helping with one-time events or by making
long-term commitments to program implementation. Working with volunteers can help
boost organizational capacity and encourage civic engagement.
WHY DO IT?
•   Volunteers can offer programs cost effectively or provide in-kind labor to fulfill grant
    matching requirements.
•   Working with volunteers can create new advocates and peer trainers.
•   Engaging local volunteers can build the community fabric. Community members who
    collaborate are more likely to work together on other projects.
•   Volunteers can enable programs to sustain project work when grants end.
WHAT WORKS?
•   Show volunteers your appreciation often. Handwritten thank-you notes or recognition
    from local leaders can go a long way.
•   Match volunteers with projects in neighborhoods where they live or work.
•   Use volunteers' skills and knowledge so that they know they add value to the project.
•   When applicable, train volunteers on how to go door-to-door or hold workshops.
•   Give volunteers feedback about their impact and make sure they know the importance
    of their role in the project.
•   Create a spreadsheet or database to track volunteer involvement.
•   Remind volunteers by phone two days before a volunteer event.
WHAT SHOULD YOU WATCH OUT FOR?
•   Volunteers often have competing demands on their time. You may need to reach out to
    more potential volunteers than you think you need, but be ready with explicit, discrete
    tasks for everyone who participates.
•   Volunteers are not always able to make long-term commitments. Be clear about the
    schedule from the beginning of the project.
•   Be realistic about the skills needed. Match tasks to a volunteer's interests and skill set.
WHAT RESOURCES HAVE PROJECTS FOUND TO BE USEFUL?
•   Idealist—Matches volunteers with  local opportunities: idealist.org
•   HandsOn Network—Network of local volunteer centers: handsonnetwork.org
•   AmeriCorps, Local Conservation Corps, and other volunteer organizations
•   Local job training programs
•   Energize—free online volunteer management guides:  www.energizeinc.com
                                                                   "A volunteer is an investor,
                                                                   and investors tend to
                                                                   defend their investments."

                                                                   Climate Showcase Communities
                                                                   project lead
                                                                   "Train, engage, and
                                                                   support volunteers. Don't
                                                                   treat them like free
                                                                   resources."
                                                                   Lisa, Green Homes Challenge,
                                                                   Frederick County, Maryland
                                                                   "Why do it? It is fun!"

                                                                   Lindsay, Eugene SmartTrips,
                                                                   Oregon
£EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
                                          April 2015
EPA-430-F-15-019

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