Compulsory? Volunteering

[andy]

I know very well that volunteering is a massive part of our sport and it would slide into oblivion without it, but I'm a bit gobsmacked by a club email today so thought I'd see what the general feeling is...

Have you ever been assigned a volunteer role on the basis that your name is on the start list at an event your club is organising?

[Freefall]

It doesn't sound the most diplomatic way of asking for volunteers. Usually I do help given the chance but there have been occasions when for whatever reason we were unable or unwilling.

[NeilC]

I certainly use the start list as a place to start when seeking volunteers - but only a request to help would follow, not a demand or even an expectation.

[andy]

I certainly use the start list as a place to start when seeking volunteers

absolutely, I do that myself

[Spookster]

Sounds ok to me, as long as it's appropriately worded.

We did a similar thing for last years British Champs. We emailed everyone in the club, and said "We're hosting the British Champs; that doesn't happen very often; we need everyone in the club to help; we assume you're helping (unless you tell us you're unavailable or unable, in which case that's ok); thanks!"

We got a huge club turnout on the day, and some "volunteers" even brought their friends and family members to help too.

[madmike]

Have you ever been assigned a volunteer role on the basis that your name is on the start list at an event your club is organising?

Over here that is the norm at my club.

Back in Uk when orgainising i have used the start list to look people in the eye and ask them to help and they have agreed

[andypat]

Back in Uk when orgainising i have used the start list to look people in the eye and ask them to help and they have agreed

How can you do that when you have no head?

[Mrs H]

It is well known in the club that i don't ask for volunteers - I give other people the opportunity to help - it's what they want even if they don't know it yet - it's going t be fun - I'm doing them a favour I don't take a chance on the start list - I like to hand pick people for the jobs they'll be good at, beside if I wait for the start list they won't get their half price helpers' code.

[Sheila S.]

I have just read the message from the organizer of Day 3 and would make the following comments:

1. It is a well worded note with an invitation to contact the organizer if either not able to help or not happy with the task allocated.
2. Not sure why Andrew is complaining as his name is not on the list.
3. As the contact for one of the other clubs involved on the day I have been consulted twice as to what my club members would do on the day.
4. The organizer is also a volunteer. There are almost 50 names on the list. Does Andrew have any idea how long it would take to consult 50 people.
5. In my experience of organizing, when I do ask around the almost invariable replies are that the person will happily do whatever they are asked, often only qualified with that they would prefer to do something that would allow them a run after they have helped.

[mappingmum]

Can I turn this question on it's head and say I, personally, have, been so grateful to clubs like TVOC, SN, HAVOC and SLOW who have proactively volunteered resources to the cause (big events) outwith their responsibility. We (small clubs in Scotland) couldn't do it without this help.

I cannot emphasise enough that having clubs volunteer help in advance helps alleviate the stress involved for organisers.

Thank you to everyone who has helped stage events, but especially to those who volunteer help outside their designation.

[andy]

I have just read the message from the organizer of Day 3 and would make the following comments:

...

I was avoiding specifics on purpose as it's the practice I think is atrocious, not this instance which only served to draw the practice to my attention. I was interested to see what other clubs approach to gaining volunteers is. If I was a newcomer to the sport who had entered an event, then seen my name on a helpers list I think I would be put off completely and would certainly feel very guilty if I wasn't available. Not good.

Since writing my post I have had 2 seperate emails from people who agree with me that it is most certainly not best practice, so it's certainly worthy of discussion and in no way am I complaining.

I may not be on the list but I'll certainly help out after my (no doubt early ) run before going to the woc meeting in the evening (and no doubt missing any trail o in the process )

[andy]

Can I turn this question on it's head and say I, personally, have, been so grateful to clubs like TVOC, SN, HAVOC and SLOW who have proactively volunteered resources to the cause (big events) outwith their responsibility. We (small clubs in Scotland) couldn't do it without this help.

Absolutely! Same goes for individuals, if you want to get involved then go and speak to the organiser(s), they will almost certainly accept your help!

[Big Jon]

I know very well that volunteering is a massive part of our sport and it would slide into oblivion without it, but I'm a bit gobsmacked by a club email today so thought I'd see what the general feeling is...

Have you ever been assigned a volunteer role on the basis that your name is on the start list at an event your club is organising?

Yes - at every 6-day event the assumption in Maroc is that if you have entered you will be helping. No-one has ever refused (as far as I know).

[Freefall]

As JK Coordinator and on behalf of the Equipment Manager we are still looking for someone who could give us a hand by being a nominated driver, The job would be better suited to a single person, expected hours would be 07.30 to 10.30 and 15.30 to 20.30. The job would involve driving and supervision of equipment loading/unloading. The person should be 25+, and preferably with licence group C1.

One of the van drivers we have already (from an English club) is a leading IOF Controller whose son is a top ranked Elite. Setting a fine example!

We could also do with some helping hands on Thursday 5th setting up assembly areas at Dunalastair and Craig a Barns. We have some volunteers from Scottish & Southern Energy but are still a bit light. Tasks include shifting 2 x 5m bridges into the forest! Can you please contact me by PM or email colin.matheson "at"scottish-orienteering.org if you would like to help rather than me selecting your name off the start list

[Caz]

We would never just assume any club member on the start list is helping, people do have other lives and commitments.
Usually before people are entering we will ask our club members for helpers and we offer our helpers a free run on the day if they want to run.
Our running club adopts a similar approach.
As someone relatively new to the sport, I would have been put off if my club had assumed I would help.
Being in a small club, I actually find it rather depressing how hard it is to get people interested in the sport and participating and how it is always down to the same core handful of people to run events.