Been thinking about what makes some volunteers amazing while others just kinda exist.
Sarah's been helping two years. Kids love her. Parents trust her. I never worry when she's around.
Tom started same time. Shows up but that's about it. Kids barely know his name. Parents polite but don't really connect.
What's the difference? Started paying attention. Noticed patterns.
They Actually Show Up
Sounds obvious but you'd be surprised.
Great volunteers are there. Not just sometimes. Consistently. Kids count on them.
Sarah misses maybe three Sundays year. Always lets me know ahead time. Never last minute emergencies unless actually emergency.
Tom misses probably once month. Sometimes texts morning of. Sometimes just doesn't show.
Kids notice who's reliable. Form attachments to people they know will be there.
They Remember Names Stories
Great volunteers know kids as individuals not just faces in crowd.
Sarah remembers Emma's cat died. Asks about Tommy's soccer game. Knows which kids are shy which ones need extra attention.
Tom might remember first names if lucky. Treats all kids basically same.
Kids feel valued when adults remember details about their lives. Makes them want be around those people.
They're Genuinely Kind
Not fake nice. Actually kind to kids and other volunteers.
Sarah notices when kid's having bad day. Sits with them. Asks what's wrong. Doesn't try fix everything just listens.
She helps other volunteers too. Covers craft station when someone struggling. Brings extra supplies without being asked.
Tom's not mean but he's just there. Doesn't go out his way for anyone.
They Handle Problems Calmly
Stuff goes wrong. Kids melt down. Crafts fail. Chaos happens.
Great volunteers stay calm. Help solve problems instead creating more.
Sarah had kid throw up during snack time last month. Cleaned it up. Comforted crying kid. Got everyone else back on track. No drama.
Tom would've probably panicked. Called for help. Made bigger deal than needed.
Kids feel safe around adults who don't freak out when things go sideways.
They Take Initiative
Don't just wait for instructions. See what needs doing and do it.
Sarah arrives early sets up supplies. Stays late helps clean. Notices when we're running low on stuff brings more next week.
Plans activities during free time. Helps kids who finish crafts early. Always thinking ahead.
Tom does exactly what asked. Nothing more. Stands around waiting for directions.
They Keep Learning
Great volunteers want get better. Ask questions. Try new approaches.
Sarah asked me how handle shy kids better. Started reading books about child development. Tries different techniques sees what works.
Tom does same thing every week. Never asks how improve. Seems content just showing up.
Growing volunteers make whole ministry better. Stagnant ones just fill space.
They Actually Like Kids
This should be obvious but apparently not.
Sarah lights up around kids. Laughs at their jokes even when not funny. Gets excited about their stories. Genuinely enjoys being with them.
Tom tolerates kids. Does his duty. But you can tell he'd rather be somewhere else.
Kids know when adults actually want be around them. Respond differently to people who enjoy their company.
What I Notice
Great volunteers make my job easier. I trust them handle situations. Know they'll step up when needed.
They make other volunteers better too. Set example. Create positive environment.
Kids gravitate toward them. Want be in their groups. Talk about them at home.
Parents appreciate them. Specifically ask if they'll be there. Thank them directly.
What Doesn't Work
Volunteers who just show up take up space. Don't engage kids. Don't help other volunteers. Don't grow or improve.
People who are fake nice but not genuinely kind. Kids see through that immediately.
Volunteers who create drama instead solving problems. Make everything about them.
Recruiting Better Volunteers
Started looking for these qualities when people express interest.
Ask about their experience with kids. How they handle stress. What they hope get out of volunteering.
Watch how they interact with kids first few weeks. Some people talk good game but don't follow through.
Better be picky upfront than deal with mediocre volunteers long term.
Training Existing Volunteers
Some qualities can be taught. Others are personality traits.
Can teach someone remember names. Show them how handle problems. Give them ideas for engaging kids.
Can't really teach someone genuinely like kids or care about quality. Either they do or don't.
Focus training on people who have good foundation already.
What Great Volunteers Get Back
Not just giving their time. Getting relationships with kids families. Sense of purpose. Feeling valued appreciated.
Sarah mentions how much joy kids bring her. How volunteering makes her week better.
Tom never talks about what he gets from volunteering. Probably doesn't get much cause not investing much.
You get out what you put in most situations.
Building Team of Great Volunteers
Takes time. Can't rush it. Better have three amazing volunteers than ten mediocre ones.
Great volunteers attract other great volunteers. Word spreads about positive environment.
Mediocre volunteers often drive away good people. Nobody wants be around negativity or laziness.
Appreciating Great Volunteers
They deserve recognition. Public praise. First choice on good opportunities. Understanding when life gets crazy.
But mostly they need know their work matters. Kids are better because of them. Ministry is stronger.
Great volunteers often don't realize how valuable they are. Part of my job telling them.
Truth About This
Great volunteers aren't perfect. They have bad days. Make mistakes. Sometimes can't show up.
But they care. They try. They keep showing up and getting better.
That's really what makes difference. Heart behind the service not perfect execution.
Would rather have someone who cares and learns than someone who's naturally gifted but doesn't invest themselves.
Kids can tell difference too. They respond to genuine care more than professional competence.
Makes all difference having volunteers who actually want be there versus ones just filling spots. Quality always beats quantity when working with kids.
