Opinion Articles

SOUL MATTERS: Love to have you, but first let's see your skills
By Dianne Lantry
Dianne Lantry, a former Hunter Valley resident, is a public servant and volunteer guide at Old Parliament House, Canberra.

Volunteering, citizen participation: call it what you will, communities around Australia can't do without people who offer their services, without financial remuneration, for the benefit of the community.

I attended an information session designed to attract and inform volunteers and decided to join 32% of the adult Australian population and become a volunteer (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2000).

In addition to meeting staff and enjoying a splendid afternoon tea, I received a sheaf of handouts that included a role description, duty statement, six week training calendar, information on the requisite skills, and the selection process which comprised a written application answering several selection criteria and an interview.

I heard glowing testimony from current volunteers who showed very obviously that they matched the requisite skill set, and who stressed the importance of ongoing professional development.

If I tell you that 50+ people attended the information session and that 37 people submitted applications for 28 positions, any doubt that this organisation is church related should be dispelled.

I have been a volunteer in a worship community, and based on that experience, I quite naturally expected that Old Parliament House, Canberra would simply be grateful to have me, no questions asked!

Ancient holy books do not mention "volunteering" yet all religions encourage charity and service to others, so why is it always so hard to get people to volunteer in their local worship communities?

Poor organisation or having a bad experience are the major reasons people give for not volunteering: feeing pressured to take on a role because there was no-one else; not having a clear idea of the role; receiving little guidance and support; relying on other volunteers who are available for photo opportunities and little else; copping unfair or harsh criticism. 

So what could be done to enhance the experience of volunteers in worship communities, encourage new recruits and persuade the discouraged to try again?  A few suggestions:

• employ designated volunteer coordinators at regional or central office level to manage volunteers, provide opportunities for review; offer regular training and professional development opportunities, coordinate annual recruiting drives;
• prepare job descriptions for every volunteer role so there are no nasty surprises;
• share the work load, one person one ministry;
• interview or screen volunteers to assess their skills, gifts and talents and match them to appropriate roles;
• recognise the efforts of volunteers.

In that perfect world of church volunteering I’ve outlined, volunteers who are nurtured, supported and encouraged would radiate positivity and their belief in themselves and those they serve would nurture, support and encourage the faith and spiritual growth of their community or group.

I’m open to the possibility of volunteering in my local worship community should my skills and talents be needed, but in the meantime, being a volunteer guide at Old Parliament House gives me opportunities to smile, chat and share “Ah ha!” moments from Australia’s social and political past, and there is value in that.  Maybe I’ll see you when next you visit Canberra?