A Few Pointers on the Unpleasant Topic of Firing Volunteers

It is a common misconception, and fear, held by those inexperienced who work with volunteers that volunteers cannot be fired. Although dismissing a volunteer is not a particularly attractive prospect, it can most certainly be done and, on occasion, is necessary to do so in order to maintain a healthy workingenvironment for other volunteers, staff members and the organization as well.                                                       

This article, as seen on ServiceLeader.org, a project of the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, reveals how volunteer dismissals are generally a result of three predominant issues: economic, behavioural or performance. While the latter two issues are normally associated with volunteer dismissal, economic issues, such as lack of funding, can play a key role in an organization’s decision to downsize its volunteer program. 

These predominate issues should be resolved and addressed using the volunteer program guidelines, as well as the volunteer job description, but the best method to ensure volunteers meet performance standards is effectual management and supervision that continually corrects underperformances prior to developing into large scale problems.       
                        
The article examines what agencies should include in their policies and procedures, a suggested disciplinary process and the most appropriate way to dismiss a volunteer.

To read the full article, visit ServiceLeader.org for more information on firing volunteers.

Last updated: July 17, 2009