For many Maui nonprofits, it’s been several months since volunteers have been bustling around making things happen. Today we’re sharing simple steps you can take to bring back volunteers as Maui re-opens and recovers.
Make A Plan
It’s likely your operations cannot simply go back to operating the same as it was before COVID-19. The new normal will look different from how things were before the pandemic. This means you need a new plan and new ways of operating.
Creating a visual plan that you and your crew can refer to will help keep everyone on the same page as the situation changes in Maui County. This plan should answer the following questions:
- How many people are allowed to work together in a common space?
- What kind of PPE is required to volunteer?
- How often are surfaces and equipment sanitized?
- What opportunities are available for virtual volunteers?
- What should volunteers do if they display symptoms?
- How will volunteers hear about future changes to your plan?
Provide PPE
If you have the resources, it is beneficial to offer your volunteers masks, hand sanitizer and other relevant personal protection equipment. This ensures no one will forget to bring their own and it shows you value their health and safety while you take the pandemic situation seriously.
If you do not have the resources to supply PPE, consider posting a volunteer need on the HandsOn Maui dashboard asking for in-kind donations. These donations can include masks, hand sanitizer, soap, or monetary donations.
Reach Out to Volunteers
With the health crisis beginning to resolve, it’s time to reach out to everyone again and invite them back. Remember to include information about your new plan and procedures. Volunteers need to know that you have safeguards in place to protect them and others.
Here are 3 ways you can reach out:
- Send an email to existing volunteers
- Post an update on social media
- Update your partner agency profile page on the HandsOn Maui dashboard
There are some fantastic examples of how national nonprofits are reaching out to volunteer here: Coronavirus & Volunteers: Your Guide for Managing Uncertainty
Show Appreciation
Make sure to tell your volunteers how much their hard work means to you every chance you get! It can be as simple as putting up signs saying “Mahalo!” or posting thanks on your social media profiles. Offering snacks and drinks for everyone on premises is also a quick and easy gesture of appreciation everyone will love. We have lots of volunteer appreciation ideas on our blog to inspire you.
Get Help
It is an exciting time for Maui nonprofits as we slowly and safely open up services for the community again. As always, HandsOn Maui County of Maui Volunteer Center is here to provide resources and support for volunteer leaders. If you have any questions about how to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact us (808) 270-7150.
