At the heart of most patient advocacy groups are dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and energy to support those in need. However, volunteers have other commitments that can pull their time away from advocating for your group. Therefore, motivating and mobilizing these volunteers is essential to foster long-term allegiance. In this article, we provide strategies for advocacy groups to effectively inspire their teams of volunteers.
Clarify Your Mission and Vision: The foundation of any successful advocacy group lies in its mission and vision. Articulating a clear and compelling purpose that resonates with volunteers is essential for motivating them. When volunteers understand how their tasks are contributing towards achieving the organization’s goals, they are more likely to stay engaged and committed.
Offer Engagement Opportunities: If possible, patient advocacy groups should offer a variety of opportunities to cater to the diverse skills and interests of their volunteers. Whether it’s organizing events, providing support services, or advocating for policy change, offering meaningful tasks allows volunteers to contribute in ways that are personally fulfilling.
Provide Training and Development: Just like successful for-profits provide continuous training/development opportunities, so do successful patient advocacy groups. Providing volunteers with the necessary training and development opportunities not only enhances their skills but also boosts their confidence and sense of efficacy. Workshops, seminars, and online resources can provide volunteers with knowledge and tools needed to best advocate for patients.
Recognize and Appreciate Often: Recognizing and appreciating the efforts of volunteers is vital for fostering a positive and supportive environment within the organization. Whether through public acknowledgments, awards, or simple gestures of gratitude, acknowledging the contributions of volunteers helps reinforce their sense of value and belonging. In addition, it is important to recognize and celebrate group successes and milestones (e.g., reaching a fundraising goal, achieving a policy change, or marking an anniversary), as this cultivates a sense of community and accomplishment.
Communicate Clearly: It is crucial that the expectations and responsibilities of volunteer roles are communicated clearly so volunteers understand what is expected of them and feel supported in their work. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help clarify expectations and address any concerns or challenges. Additionally, it is important for advocacy groups to keep communications channels open by encouraging volunteers to ask questions and provide feedback of their own.
Provide Opportunities for Collaboration: Collaboration maximizes the impact of volunteer efforts. Patient advocacy groups should create opportunities for volunteers to collaborate with each other, as well as with other organizations, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Collaborative projects not only leverage the collective expertise of volunteers but also strengthen relationships and networks within the patient community.
In summary, motivating a team of volunteers within a patient advocacy group requires a combination of clear communication, meaningful engagement opportunities, recognition, and support. By fostering a sense of purpose, providing opportunities for growth and collaboration, and celebrating successes, advocacy groups can inspire and mobilize their volunteers to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.
