Keeping volunteers in your organization

I am on a number of organization that cater to seniors and use older volunteers. As an organizations we work hard to keep our volunteers with us. Making senior volunteers feel welcome is essential to ensuring they have a positive experience and want to continue to contribute their time and skills. Here are some tips on how we work to make senior volunteers feel welcome:

Senior volunteers often bring a wealth of experience and skills to the table. Show them respect by acknowledging their contributions and considering their input.

Provide adequate orientation and training to senior volunteers to help them understand their roles and responsibilities. This can help them feel more confident in their ability to contribute.

Adequate orientation and training for senior volunteers should provide them with the information and resources they need to understand their roles and responsibilities and feel confident in their ability to contribute effectively. This is a key element to keeping volunteers. We include the following in our orientation and training:

We provide senior volunteers with an overview of the organization, its mission, and its values. This can help them understand the context and feel more connected to the organization’s goals.

We also supply them with a clear job description outlining the specific tasks and responsibilities of their role. We also go over any expectations around attendance, punctuality, and other important factors.

All organizations have policies and procedures so we give them information on our policies and procedures, including any relevant health and safety information. This  ensures thatthey are aware of their rights and responsibilities and can work safely and effectively.

Many of our volunteers have done the work in previous lifes but we still provide training on any specific tasks or skills that theywill be performing. This may include training on computer systems, working with clients or customers, or handling specific equipment or materials.

Working in a new environment can be confusing if a person is not given an orientation to the physical space where they will be volunteering. This orientation will include information on where to find supplies, restrooms, and other important facilities.

Feedback is important so we provide our volunteers with ongoing support and feedback to help them feel confident in their role and make any necessary adjustments. This includes regular check-ins, training sessions, and opportunities for feedback and suggestions.

We also try to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our volunteers feel comfortable and appreciated. We make sure they have a designated workspace and access to the resources they need.

Communication is key to making our volunteers feel welcome. We take steps to communicate with them and we are also open to their feedback and suggestions.

Many of our volunteers have other commitments or health concerns that require flexibility in their volunteering schedule. We are open to accommodating their needs as much as possible.

We take the time throughout the year to recognize and appreciate the contributions of our volunteers. We host a number of  volunteer appreciation events and highlighting their contributions on social media or in other communications.

By following these tips, we think we created a welcoming environment for our  volunteers and we believe that thes practices help ensure our volunteers feel valued and appreciated for their contributions.

Robo Calls

 Many scammers rely on Robocalls to scam their victims. Robocalls are pre-recorded calls that are made using an automated system. Unfortunately, they are often used for fraudulent purposes, including investment and pension scams. Here are some ways to protect yourself from robocall scams:

If you receive a call from a number you do not recognize, let it go to voicemail. Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Legitimate callers will often leave a message, whereas robocalls typically will not.

If you answer a call and suspect it is a robocall, hang up immediately. Do not press any buttons or engage with the caller, as this could lead to further harassment or scams.

Consider using call-blocking software or apps that can help to identify and block known robocallers.

In some countries, such as the United States, you can register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. This can help to reduce the number of telemarketing and robocalls you receive.

If you receive a robocall scam, report it to the relevant regulatory body or law enforcement agency. This can help to identify and shut down the scammers and prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.

Remember, legitimate organizations will not contact you via robocalls to solicit investments or pensions. If you receive such a call, it is likely a scam, and you should take steps to protect yourself.

Investment and Pension Scams

Investment scams usually involve someone unexpectedly calling and inviting you to invest quickly in a scheme with very attractive returns and low risk.

They often add pressure by making it a ‘limited-time offer’ so that they tempt you into a quick decision.

They also use authentic-looking paperwork.

How does it work?

Scammers usually promise to help you ‘unlock’ your pension by transferring money to a ‘different pension scheme.

The pension scheme doesn’t exist. It is just a way for scammers to steal your money.

They targeted retirees and people nearing retirement because they’re able to access enormous sums of money.

How do I protect myself?

Investment and pension scams are unfortunately quite common, and they can be very damaging to those who fall victim to them. Here are some ways to protect yourself:

Be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, and messages because scammers often use cold-calling or unsolicited emails and messages to contact potential victims.

If someone contacts you out of the blue with a too-good-to-be-true investment opportunity or pension scheme, it is likely a scam.

Be wary of such approaches and always double-check the legitimacy of the organization or individual contacting you.

Before investing, do a thorough background check of the organization or individual offering the investment or pension scheme by researching the organization and individual.

As part of your research, check if they registered with regulatory bodies such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in your country.

Also, try to find independent reviews or opinions about the organization or individual from reliable sources.

Always read the investment or pension scheme documents carefully, and make sure you understand the terms and conditions. Make sure you check the investment or pension scheme details. Look out for any unusual or confusing clauses and ask questions if something is unclear.

Scammers may use high-pressure tactics to convince you to invest quickly or offer incentives. If you feel rushed or pressured to decide, it’s usually a red flag. Beware of high-pressure tactics.

Get professional advice: Consider seeking the advice of a financial advisor or accountant before making any investment or pension decisions. They can help you understand the risks and benefits and provide guidance on whether an investment or pension scheme is legitimate and suitable for your needs.

If you suspect that an investment or pension has targeted you in a scam, report it immediately to the relevant regulatory body or law enforcement agency. By reporting suspicious activity, you can help to prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.

Always take the time to make proper checks before investing your money.

Check all names and contact details against the Financial Conduct Authority’s Register to make sure you’re dealing with a genuine person and firm.

Never share your investment, pension, or personal details with someone you are unsure about.

Some Intergenerational projects fail.

Here are some potential reasons:

As we are planning to start our intergenerational programs next year we should design these projects in a way that enables participants to engage meaningfully with one another. If the activities or goals of the project do not resonate with participants, they may become disinterested or feel disconnected from the project.

Generational differences in communication styles and language can create barriers to effective communication, which can make it challenging for participants to understand one another and collaborate effectively.

Effective intergenerational projects require careful planning and coordination to ensure that everyone’s needs and interests are represented. Failing to plan adequately can lead to confusion, disorganization, and frustration among participants.

Intergenerational projects may require additional resources, such as funding, staff, or equipment. If these resources are limited, it's challenging to provide a high-quality experience for all participants.

Stereotyping based on age can create a negative environment and prevent participants from feeling comfortable and valued. For example, if older adults are treated as though they cannot learn or contribute, they may feel discouraged from participating in the project.

Resistance to change: Some participants may be resistant to change, particularly if the intergenerational project challenges their existing beliefs or values. This resistance can make it difficult to achieve project goals and create a positive environment for all participants.

Addressing these factors and designing intergenerational projects that consider the unique needs and perspectives of participants can help improve the success rate of these projects.

If you have any other ideas on what we should consider when we are planning please let me know.