The expectation is that there will be 3 major supporter events during the year and supporter drop ins. These events could include coffee mornings, quiz nights, cream teas or park meet ups in the summer, sharing evenings, craft evenings, fish and chip suppers – CVMs can be creative in what they arrange. Each event should include an update and a chance for supporters to get to know each other and share their experiences. These are also opportunities to complete admin e.g., checking ID, booking training and assessments.
Major volunteer events serve several purposes:
- They are an opportunity to celebrate the impact volunteers have had.
- They can be hugely inspirational for staff and supporters.
- They build a sense of belonging and they enhance supporter engagement and deepen supporter relationships whilst also providing space to hear supporter feedback.
- They are an opportunity to share important updates and information with supporters.
- They can be used as fundraising and/or recruitment opportunities.
Through regular communication and supporter events, we are able to hear opportunities, suggestions and feedback from our volunteers. Whenever this happens, it is important to share this with the TL/SCVM so that feedback can be actioned appropriately. It may be that positive stories can be used in the ‘Stories of Hope’ slack channel or used as a story by the Comms team. Constructive and negative feedback should be heard with humility and acknowledged promptly (within 3 working days). Ongoing response should be given, with the volunteer involved in any discussions, actions and solutions as much as possible.