And that's what we call a volunteer. Volunteers can be very useful in creating the event of your dreams, making sure your attendees get from point a to point b and running to the store to get more ice. There are many times that I as a volunteer have been frustrated by lack of communication or direction when I've taken time out of my day to help out.
Here are a few tips to make sure you capitalize on having effective volunteers.
1. Be nice- they are not getting paid and they have little invested so appreciate them. (remember if they want to ruin your event from the inside they can ; )
2. Have a clear list of tasks and explanation of those tasks. (unless they work with you on a regular basis they might not know your standards and what you expect)
3. Ask them what they would like to do. Find out their strengths and utilize them that way. (don't take someone who is artistically challenged and ask them to help arrange the flowers)
4. Scope- fill them in on the entire project so they see how they fit in and why what they are doing is important.
5. Have a central unpacking area. That way people know where to get supplies and they are not asking you every five minutes where the easels are.
Organization is key! They will respect you, your event and your time if you have a little structure for them and respect theirs.
