Six Essential Elements in Investing in Volunteers by Don Simmons

There are six elements in investing in volunteers represented by the acronym TAFERR. The first of these is Training. This should be done just in time, just in place, fun, practical, transferrable, and by a "tell, show, and do." By "tell, show, and do," he meant that you talk to someone about how they do something, then you show them personally. Next, you actually have them do it, and you repeat this however many times is needed. We often make assumptions they know what they need to do. Train people for where you would like to be not where you are.


The next element is Affirmation. Acknowledge who they are not what they do. It is about their character and spirit not their competency. Colossians 3 and other verses say to encourage one another. Affirmation is best verbal and then written. "Thank you" is not affirmation.

Another element in investing in volunteers is Feedback. You guide and correct behavior with critiquing. Hebrews 10:24 says to "let us consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds"(NIV). There are three forms of feedback, one of which is compliments. Compliments are like soap bubbles. You can't hold onto them, and you can't pass them on. They don't necessarily help. We usually give compliments pretty consistently along with criticism which is the second form of feedback.

Criticism is like a baseball. It almost always leaves a bruise. People get defensive when get around that person. You can lose a volunteer quickly. The way to not get hit by balls is to get out of the field.

The third form of feedback is the critique. It is like a beach ball. You can hang onto it, pass it along, and you won't get hurt being hit by it. Let people know it is coming, asking them if it is a good time to talk about it. Always use the words "the next time..." Critique guidelines include asking permission, speaking directly to and privately, provide specific feedback on what could be done differently, and provide practical application.


The next essential element is Evaluation. If you do an evaluation, then USE them. An easy evaluation is the Stop, Start, Continue evaluation. You ask what we need to stop, what we need to start doing, and what we need to continue doing in training or whatever you do with the volunteer. This shows them that you value what they think and not just what they do.

Next is Recognition. This entails appreciation, validation, education, and commemoration. The best appreciation is always written. It isn't e-mail or mass-produced. Also, you should honor those that you want to volunteer. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says "Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other"(NIV). Recognize teamwork as well.

Reflection is the final essential step. Do this by research and personally. This is where the word and work intersect. This is when you ask "So what" and "Now what?" C.S. Lewis said, " I made the experience, but I missed the meeting." You ask, "Where was Jesus in this work?" This reflection is the most valuable time spent with unpaid servants. If it matters, it will take time.