Slipstream - July 2006

From The Driver’s Seat
by Wendy Shoffit, Slipstream Managing Editor
The Care and Feeding of Volunteers
Volunteers... what are they exactly and what
do they do? The official definition of the
verb to volunteer is this: 1. To perform or
offer to perform a service of one's own free will; 2.
To do charitable or helpful work without pay.
Over the past few months, I’ve come across several situations
in which volunteers were *grossly* mistreated. I’m not just talking
about the Porsche Club here, many other organizations struggle
with this similar problem. What I’d like to do is mention a few
items of etiquette in dealing with volunteers in any organization.
When dealing with volunteers, remember that they’re
human beings, just like you (assuming you believe yourself to be
human). Are you acting like a human being in the way you’re
communicating with them at all times? If not, STOP. Remember
the Golden Rule - Do unto others as you would have them do
unto you. If you wouldn’t want someone berating you, don’t
berate them. It’s simple.
A volunteer is freely giving of his or her time to provide a
service. Maverick Region Porsche Club volunteers are everywhere.
They are the ones who plan, organize, and execute all the
tasks needed for these wonderful events we all enjoy. Let me reiterate
that . . . they’re freely doing what needs to be done so YOU
can have fun. For those of you who have not taken a peek behind
the wizard’s curtain, you have no idea what all is involved. You
might be astounded to hear about the number of hours involved
in each and every part of even the (seemingly) smallest event.
Our club’s volunteers are not paid. Some are fortunate
enough to receive compensation in the form of entry fees, but I,
for one, haven’t seen a check in years! *wink* So, what do you
wonder do they get instead? Appreciation, adulation, a pat on the
back, or a simple attaboy/girl.
Now, am I trying to complain about the hours? No, I’ll save
that for another article. *snicker* What I AM trying to say is that
if during an event something isn’t going according to the way you
want it to go, before you go off half-cocked and start yelling for
whatever reason at our precious volunteers, just stop and
THINK. Do you really think that these people MEANT for this
bad thing to happen or was it an unfortunate series of events that
ended up at that point? Do you think berating or yelling at them
will make them want to help you? Is what you want WORTH
making someone feel so badly?
Without volunteers, there is no organization, no events, no
fun. Put yourself in their drivers’ seat and see what the view looks
like. You know who you are. Do better next time and the time
after that and the time after that. I thank you and all the other
volunteers thank you.
1033 N. Henderson St.
Fort Worth, TX
(817) 877–1772
Forgeline • Brembo • Eibach • Sparco • Borla • Hoosier • MOMO • Red Line • OMP • Teamtech • Fuel Safe
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