I began working with volunteers as a program associate at a nonprofit in San Francisco. They needed 50 volunteers every day in order to succeed in their mission, so it was an “all hands on deck”-type of introduction to volunteer recruitment and coordination.

Since then, I’ve transitioned to being the Development & Volunteer Manager at The Arc San Francisco — a nonprofit that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting self-determination, dignity, and quality of life.

In my role, I help manage and lead a team of dedicated volunteers serving different functions that are essential for our clients. While their tasks vary, volunteers help our clients learn critical social skills. Some of them live very isolated lives, and volunteers help fill that void.

I enjoy bringing new volunteers into our community, educating them about our cause and our clients, and matching them with volunteer opportunities that connect them to our organization’s mission. The Arc San Francisco is a very open and welcoming environment, so volunteers fit in pretty quickly. Our clients are amazing people, and I really enjoy creating the opportunity for the greater community to experience just how amazing they are.

Read the full article on a volunteer manager by Giovanna Erkanat at VolunteerMatch