Hey there, everyone! Welcome back to The Preston Perspective, the blog where we dive into thoughts and perspectives on many topics. Today, we’re talking about something super important if you’re into making a difference—how to lead a successful volunteer training.

Whether you’re organizing a community clean-up, helping out at a local shelter, leading your first meeting, or running a fundraiser, getting your volunteers on the same page is key. So, how do you make sure your training session isn’t just a boring lecture that everyone tunes out? Well, I’ve got three key tips for you that’ll make your training effective, engaging, and—dare I say it?—even fun.

Let’s dive in!

KEY 1 - KNOW YOUR STUFF

Alright, the first key to leading a successful volunteer training is pretty straightforward: Know Your Stuff. You can’t teach what you don’t understand, right?

As I write this, I am getting ready to lead our leader summit where we will cover many aspects and ideas. Brainstorm and even play games together to get us on the same page for the rest of the year. 

Before you even think about standing in front of your volunteers, make sure you’re clear on the goals of the event, the tasks they’ll be doing, and any challenges they might face. If you’re confident and knowledgeable, your volunteers will trust you and feel more prepared.

And here’s a little pro tip: anticipate the questions they might ask. It’s like studying for a test—if you’ve got the answers ready, you’ll look like a pro. Plus, it shows that you’ve put thought into the training, which will make your volunteers more likely to take it seriously.

KEY 2 - MAKE IT INTERACTIVE

Key number two: Make it Interactive. No one wants to sit through a two-hour monologue about the dos and don’ts of volunteering. Yawn, right?

Instead, mix things up. Start with an icebreaker to get everyone comfortable. Then, instead of just telling them what to do, show them. Demonstrations, role-playing scenarios, and hands-on activities are all great ways to keep your volunteers engaged.

Your volunteers might be giving up work or giving up family time. As leaders we must make sure we are honoring their time and make it worth their while being there. Can you provide snacks or a meal? Will there be activities with prizes? Get your team moving and involved. 

For example, if you’re training people to help out at an event, set up a mock station and let them practice. It’s not only more fun, but it also helps them remember what to do when the real event rolls around. Plus, it gives you a chance to correct mistakes in a low-pressure setting.

And don’t forget to ask for input! Encourage questions and discussions. The more involved your volunteers are in the training, the more invested they’ll be in the actual event.

KEY 3 - KEEP IT POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING

Last but definitely not least, key number three: keep it positive and encouraging. Remember, your volunteers are giving their time and energy to help out, so make sure they feel appreciated and supported.

Start by setting a positive tone from the beginning. Thank them for being there, emphasize the impact they’re going to make, and be enthusiastic about the cause. Your energy is contagious—if you’re pumped, they’ll be pumped too.

During the training, be patient and encouraging, especially if someone is struggling to pick something up. Offer constructive feedback, but always follow it up with praise for what they’re doing well. And at the end of the training, give them a big thank you and remind them of how important their role is.

A little positivity goes a long way, and it helps build a strong, motivated team that’s ready to tackle whatever comes their way.

Q&A

Anticipate questions, let’s practice with these two questions that you might have as a reader. 

Question 1: “What if I’m not super confident about leading the training—how do I make sure it goes well?”

Answer:Great question! Confidence comes with preparation. The more you know your material, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Practice your presentation a few times, and maybe even run it by a friend for feedback. Remember, it’s okay to be nervous—that just means you care about doing a good job. And if you make a mistake, don’t sweat it! Just correct it and move on. Your volunteers are there to learn, not to judge.

Question 2: “How do I handle a volunteer who’s not taking the training seriously?”

Answer:This can be tricky, but it’s important to address it calmly. Pull them aside and have a private conversation. Let them know that their role is important and that the training is crucial for everyone’s success. Sometimes people just need a little reminder of why they’re there. If it continues to be a problem, you might need to consider whether they’re the right fit for the team.

And that’s a wrap on today’s The Preston Perspective! I hope you found these tips helpful and that you feel ready to lead an awesome volunteer training.

Thanks for reading and until next time—stay positive, stay prepared, and keep making a difference!