Giving Compass' Take:

• The Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) provides eight strategies for creating a more inclusive volunteer program for both immigrant communities as well as communities of color. 

• Why is it beneficial for both volunteer organizations and local communities to adopt practices of diversity and inclusivity?

• Stay in the know about volunteering trends in 2018. 

Many organizations struggle to engage volunteers who reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the communities they serve. In response to this issue, the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) recently embarked on a research study which resulted in a set of eight strategies for creating a more inclusive volunteer program within nonprofit and government organizations:

  • Strategy #1: Shift Your Language: When working with immigrant and diverse communities, consider using words beyond “volunteer.” “Help” is one good option, but other broader terms, such as “support,” “benefit,” or “give,” are also possibilities.
  • Strategy #2: Build Relationships: No conversation about engaging diverse populations can take place without a discussion of relationship-building. It is central to any successful outreach effort.
  • Strategy #3: Understand The Importance Of Socio-Economic Status: When engaging communities of color it is essential to consider the socio-economic status and make adjustments that accommodate volunteers from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Strategy #4: Embrace Skills-Based Opportunities: Skills-based volunteers are people who bring a specialized skill set — often one they typically would be paid to perform — to your organization or government.
  • Strategy #5: Recruit From Those Who Use Your Services: Reciprocity is an important concept in communities of color. Many immigrants come from a more communal society than American culture.
  • Strategy #6: Partner To Engage Groups Of Youth: A great way to engage diverse youth is to partner with existing groups on one-time volunteer projects.
  • Strategy #7: Remove Barriers: Immigrant and diverse populations face a variety of barriers to volunteering, including such as background checks and flexibility in scheduling.
  • Strategy #8: Create An Inclusive Organizational Culture: Creating an environment where volunteers of all ethnicities and backgrounds feel welcome and included is key to retaining diverse volunteers.

Read the full article about strategies for more inclusive volunteer programs by Basil Sadiq at Volunteer Match