Ritok, Jean
Jean Ritok
We connected Jean with a researcher to talk about research on how to boost volunteer engagement. Afterwards she shared how that one conversation produced a broader shift in organizational practice…a true culture change:
“In January 2019 we connected with research4impact to talk about boosting volunteer engagement. Eager and curious, I did a 30-minute call with a researcher who described the research-based best practices for welcoming new volunteers and getting them involved in our work. I found myself in rapt attention to what he was saying. After the call, I wrote up his recommendations, shared them with our chapter’s staff, and worked with our chapter’s “growth team” so they could use those practices to welcome new members.
The practices really worked well. Once we understood the reasoning behind their design, they were easy to adopt and felt natural, even the first time I used them. For me, it was a revelation and a timesaver and made the process much more rewarding for both parties. Interesting: these practices guided how best to talk to new people, and what did we learn?… that it’s mostly about listening to them.
About a month later, we used the recommended practices at our monthly meeting with walk-ins who were curious about our organization. Once again, the practices were natural and effective. Those volunteers joined our organization and began to explore our action teams … in that first meeting!
As a busy volunteer myself, I have long been frustrated at the gap between academia and those in the trenches. I am so pleased that research4impact is narrowing that gap. So many smart researchers … so many hard-working practitioners: It’s high time we partnered them up!
A few months later, I passed out 40 copies of the Volunteer Engagement Practices at our regional Conference as part of my presentation on “How to have a Vibrant Chapter with Engaged Volunteers”. Several people walked up to me afterwards and said how much they appreciated that handout. I wasn’t surprised. So valuable. It really makes a difference.”
