The Philosophy of Volunteer Management

Successful Volunteer Management Conference

Gloucester, 24th May 2012

This session will be

• An opportunity to think and talk about some stuff that you’ll rarely – if ever – have time to consider while you’re in the day job.

• Major on the theoretical and philosophical not the practical– “There is nothing as practical as a good theory”

Nancy Kline

The philosophy quiz

• Read each item and rate youryour opinion• Discuss your answers and reasons for

them with colleagues in small groups• How many of you:

– were in complete agreement with others?– intend to move to another point of view now

that you’re gotten some insight into others’ thoughts?

– aren’t even sure you agree with yourself now?

Final thoughts

• What do you believe about volunteering?– Why do you believe it?

• What does your organisation believe about volunteering? – Why does it believe that?– Who in your organisation knows and understands

those beliefs?– Who determines those beliefs?

• How does all that impact on the success of your volunteer programme?