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Orienting Extension Volunteers. Importance of Extension Volunteers. Organizing and Mobilizing a strong volunteer base is essential to Extension’s mission. Three Types/Phases of Orientation. Social Orientation Position Orientation System Orientation. Social Orientation.
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Importance of Extension Volunteers Organizing and Mobilizing a strong volunteer base is essential to Extension’s mission.
Three Types/Phases of Orientation Social Orientation Position Orientation System Orientation
Social Orientation Goal: help new volunteers find a social comfort zone within new environment Can include items such as: introductions, explanation of policies and helpful tips The simplest type of orientation, and takes the least time and preparation.
Position Orientation Goal: for volunteers to understand their specific roles and responsibilities. Agent should provide a volunteer position description, outlining specific details and expectations of their job
Position Orientation • A volunteer position description should include: • Title • Advisor • Purpose of the position • Benefits to the volunteer • Responsibilities • Qualifications and special skills • Time commitment • Resources and support available
System Orientation Goal: to give information to new volunteers about the organization they are serving and their part in it. Volunteers do not need to know all the facts and people, they need a “big picture” view of Extension’s history, mission and structure.
System Orientation • Volunteer System Orientation may include such items as: • Extension’s Mission • Definition of Cooperative Extension • Legislation that created and defined Extension • Program areas supported by Extension • Other Extension volunteering opportunities • Extension policies and proceedures
Result of Quality Orientation • Volunteers with needed competencies • Volunteers that understand their role and performance expectations within Extension • Volunteers that are more confident and motivated to fulfill their job responsibilities • Volunteers that will represent Extension well and serve as advocates for Extension