Volunteering respect

While I am worried that the pressure on arts organisations to recruit and use volunteers is becoming an imperative (‘Volunteers plug the gaps’, AP233), I am encouraged that many are doing so successfully. However, if the sector is truly to recognise the impact of volunteers, I believe that organisations should do much more to report their numbers of volunteers, the hours they provide, and the financial value of their time. This would both increase recognition of the impact of the volunteers themselves, and help to justify efforts to retain or secure funding. Organisations should ensure that they track, recognise and reward volunteers in the same way that they track ticket buyers or donors – and should ensure that they build relationships with their volunteers over the long term. Volunteers can be your most loyal supporters, and should also be seen as potential donors and legacy givers.