
	Search:

Developing: Interviewing Prospective Volunteers

During an interview, determine which type of contribution the prospective volunteer is most interested in making to the MRC. A sense of satisfaction is highly correlated with long-term retention of volunteers. For example, a physician may want to offer her professional skills to the MRC. Or, she may be interested in participating in activities that differ from her daily routine. People sometimes volunteer to expand their ordinary range of activities. Others are unsure of which activities they would like to participate in—they only know they want to help a worthy cause. Based on what your MRC unit needs, you can propose various alternatives.

In addition to determining the type of activities that interest the prospective volunteer, assess his or her personal values, particularly as they relate to community service. Your MRC unit may not be organized to utilize someone’s professional skills, regardless of how impressive, or you may not have the need for the type of work this person would like to do. Rather than letting this person walk away, you might be able to help him or her realize that other types of work also might support his or her values. Many people volunteer to bring an increased sense of meaning and connection to their lives. Above all, they want to support a larger purpose. How they make this contribution may not matter.

Once you have determined the types of activities a volunteer might be willing or able to perform, you will want to revisit the prospect’s availability. For example, if your MRC is involved in year-round, non-emergency activities, determine if your prospect will be available year-round. Ask if the prospect’s regular work responsibilities or family obligations will permit emergency utilization without much advance notice. Discuss the amount of time she or he can give to training and practicing.

Some volunteers may only be interested in making a minimal commitment during times of emergency or for other specific community needs. It is important to respect these preferences as long as they can be accommodated by your MRC’s mission and work plan.

Another area to explore is whether your prospective volunteer has other obligations related to other disasters or response situations. Membership in a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) and an MRC unit, or in an MRC unit and a Red Cross volunteer group, could prove problematic unless there is proper coordination and integration between these organizations. (This would be an issue to discuss with your response partners ahead of time.)

Your MRC will not want to rely too much on volunteers who will be committed elsewhere. The MRC can utilize volunteers who have other commitments, but other obligations must be well documented and considered when planning.

Previous | Table of Contents | Next

Last Updated on 8/21/2006