7. VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

 
SAFSS Voluntary Development Program is designed to yield benefits to the Volunteers, organization and the community. 
  
  The Volunteer Development Program encompasses planning tool to help the volunteers understand the tasks involved, skills required, other important details about the job and accomplishments to be achieved.  
 

The policy on Volunteer Development Program developed by our Volunteer Coordinator on recruitment, interview, placement, and supervision and evaluation mechanism is the guiding program outline for SAFSS Volunteer Development Program.

  
 
The placement of a volunteer is finalized on the information gathered in the screening process and is based on the consensus of the volunteers and needs of the organization. Before the placement, the orientation and training are provided to the volunteers giving an adequate background on the agency, its operation, and its procedures. Orientation helps them to be a part of the organizational environment, understand what the organization is and how it operates.
  
  The basic orientation package in SAFSS includes:   
     
 
  • Description and history of the organization.
  
 
  • Description of the overall programs and clientele of the organization.
 
 
  • Sketch of the organizational chart of the organization.
 
 
  • Orientation to the facilities and layout of the organization.
 
 
  • Knowledge of general policies and procedures.
 
 
  • Description of volunteer management system.
 
     
 

The Volunteer Development Program has an effective training program to enhance the skills, knowledge and behaviour which would be essential for job performance and is directed towards practical learning, experiential, and tailored to the individual needs of the volunteer.

  
     
 

The Supervision and Evaluation are regularly conducted to know that the volunteer is fulfilling their role effectively and the volunteer’s jobs are affirmed and recognized within the organization.   

  
     
 

Although recognition happens in an informal way every time a “thank you” is said. Formally, volunteers are thanked through celebrations and recognition events planned in their honour.

 
     
 

With good planning and management, SAFSS intends to retain current volunteers and their services for a longer duration and be ready to involve new volunteers as the cycle begins again.