Effective Volunteer Management is a comprehensive course designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively recruit, onboard, engage, retain, and recognize volunteers within Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs). This course explores the foundational principles and practical strategies necessary for building and maintaining positive relationships with volunteers to maximize their impact and satisfaction.
Course Objectives:
- To establish Foundations of Volunteer Management, understanding the importance of volunteers in NPOs, legal considerations, and ethical guidelines.
- To develop strategies for Engaging Volunteers through effective recruitment and selection processes that align with organizational needs and volunteer interests.
- To implement Onboarding and Capacity Building practices, including orientation and training programs, to equip volunteers with the skills and knowledge necessary for their roles.
- To explore strategies for Sustaining Engagement through volunteer retention initiatives, recognition programs, and ongoing support.
- To emphasize the importance of Building Positive Relationships with Volunteers through effective communication, conflict resolution, and volunteer feedback mechanisms.
Lessons:
1. Foundations of Volunteer Management
- Role of volunteers in NPOs and their impact
- Legal and ethical considerations in volunteer management
- Volunteer management policies and procedures
2. Engaging Volunteers: Recruitment & Selection Strategies
- Identifying volunteer needs and roles
- Effective recruitment strategies and messaging
- Selection processes and screening methods
3. Onboarding & Capacity Building: Orientation & Training for Volunteers
- Designing volunteer orientation programs
- Training volunteers for their roles and responsibilities
- Developing ongoing capacity-building initiatives
4. Sustaining Engagement: Volunteer Retention & Recognition
- Factors influencing volunteer retention
- Implementing recognition and appreciation strategies
- Addressing challenges and enhancing volunteer satisfaction
5. Building Positive Relationships with Volunteers
- Effective communication with volunteers
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving
- Soliciting and responding to volunteer feedback
Evaluation:
This course is a graded course where a complete or incomplete grade will be issued. To receive a Completion of this course, a student must:
- Participate in online discussions.
- Complete lesson quizzes, reflections, or case studies.
Upcoming Sessions:
- February 2 - February 28, 2026 (must be completed within 4 weeks)
- April 1 - April 28, 2026 (must be completed within 4 weeks)
- January 4 - January 28, 2027 (must be completed within 4 weeks)
- April 1 - April 28, 2027 (must be completed within 4 weeks)
All the courses are delivered online and asynchronously to enable participants to complete the work in their own time.
How to Register:
Courses are competitively priced, and registrants may qualify for OSAP or the Canada Ontario Job Grant, which offers support for employers.
Register for Individual Courses
Program Fees:
The fee for the micro-credential is $375, and there are no additional fees for textbooks or materials.
Current Trent undergraduate students receive 50% off. Please email microcredential@trentu.ca for details.
Trent Alumni receive 10% off. Please email alumni@trentu.ca for more information.
Current Trent staff and faculty receive 20% off. Please email microcredential@trentu.ca for more information.
NOTE: Only one discount code can be used per order
Prerequisites:
There are no formal prerequisites for this course, although a basic understanding of nonprofit organizations and volunteerism would be beneficial.
Conclusion:
Effective Volunteer Management prepares students to excel in managing and engaging volunteers within Nonprofit Organizations. By mastering foundational principles, recruitment strategies, onboarding practices, retention initiatives, and relationship-building techniques, students will be equipped to effectively harness volunteer contributions, enhance organizational capacity, and achieve mission-driven objectives with the support of a motivated and engaged volunteer team.