Volunteer Spotlight | Michelle, Volunteer Mom, Wake Forest, NC
Have you ever run across someone who says, "If you need me, let me know." Michelle is one of those people. So, today, our Volunteer Spotlight shines on Michelle from Wake Forest, NC. Michelle uses VolunteerSpot's online signup sheets to coordinate volunteers for the entire 8th grade at her child's school, the basketball team Booster Club, and the swim team! Read on to learn how she does it all!
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How did you get started using VolunteerSpot?
I started using VolunteerSpot as a Grade Level Coordinator for the 8th grade. I was talking to the Booster Club president about how well VolunteerSpot was working with the 8th grade...and now I'm in charge there as well. (Isn't that the way it often goes?) So I recently completed the front gate volunteer schedule for the 8 basketball teams, entered the details at VolunteerSpot.com, and sent the information to the coaches and team moms.
Can you give us more specifics about how you utilize the software?
I set up an account for the Booster Club president, so he can keep up with all dates. Then I created an activity for each team, with that team's gate volunteer assignments. Each team mom is now responsible for getting the slots filled. I also recommended that they add their own team needs as well, such as team meals. (We feed the players after school on game days.)
For the 8th grade, I create activities for each date that we have volunteer responsibilities. Then I send an email to everyone, with instructions and the link. I also tell them that I will enter the information for them if they have any trouble with it. We had posted paper sign-ups at Open House in August, so I entered those prior to sending the link and asked those parents to verify the assignments.
Do you have a favorite feature of VolunteerSpot?
I sent reminders for the events we have had thus far, as some time had gone by since they actually signed up, but I love the fact that VolunteerSpot sends a reminder two days prior to the event date. There can never be too many reminders for most of us... I also print a report, so I know the details during the event. Love that too!
What other volunteer activities are you involved with?
I work as a swim club manager and am in charge of scheduling the swim team volunteers. Because there are 20-30 volunteer slots to be filled for each swim meet, we require two meets per family. We give parents an opportunity to choose positions they prefer and to opt out of two of the six meet dates. Then I create the schedule. When the season starts, there is a need for reminders and swapping dates and filling in for those who forget. I am planning to use VolunteerSpot this coming season. It will require a bit more work up front, but it will simplify the process once the season is under way. It will allow parents to swap and document it themselves on the website. I will print the report on meet day, and I should have an accurate volunteer list.
How did you learn about VolunteerSpot?
This is the first year I've used VolunteerSpot, but I recommend it to everyone now. Another mom told me about it and I found it to be very user-friendly. I had no trouble getting my activities set up or managing them. It would be great if it could just guarantee that the volunteers would show up...ha!
Is there anything else you would lie to share about volunteering?
Some people understand what it takes and they work hard to find a replacement if they can't make it, while others just don't show up. In our case, I wish I could make our volunteers understand that the Booster Club is paying for those uniforms our children wear and for the referees (okay, we don't always like the refs, but we still have to pay them). The way we get those funds is to collect gate fees. No gate volunteer equals no income, but we still have the expenses.
All of the activities I am working with are about the kids; even at my job. We are volunteering our time and our snacks to give them the best possible experience. Sometimes it's some bagels to show our appreciation for the love and time the teachers give to our children. It is so worth it all! There is nothing like the look on the face of a 5 year old who just swam 15 yards and then got a rainbow ribbon (from a volunteer) that says, "Great Job!" on it.
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We salute Michelle and all the other volunteer leaders out there making a difference. If you're using VolunteerSpot, write and tell us about what you're doing and give us a chance to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on you!! Just email us at [email protected].
