Resources for Community Volunteers
Volunteer Commitment Form

About the Volunteer Commitment Form

One of the most pervasive challenges in volunteer organizations is setting expectations of volunteers at the beginning of their term of service. By taking the time to set expectations, leaders can tell volunteers exactly what's expected of them and when. In turn, volunteers can let leaders know where they need help (including training, if that's needed), find out how to manage their time, and let leaders know what they hope to gain from the experience.

The American Red Cross suggests that organizations should establish a formal Volunteer Commitment Form as a means of identifying those expectations. Following is an example form that I have developed.

• The first part explains why the organization needs the volunteer's efforts. This helps volunteers see their work in a broder perspective. Next, it lists tangible work products that the volunteer is expected to produce and when these work products are needed. (If you cannot state the purpose of a position or tangible work products that a volunteer should produce, then the job probably isn't necessary.)
• The next two sections describe the resources that the volunteer needs to succeed on the job.  First, it lists the assistance needed from other people.  Then it lists other resources, such as equipment and training.
• The last section gives the volunteer an opportunity to explain his or her motivation for volunteering and what he or she hopes to gain from the experience. In this way, you have a better understanding of the volunteers and what drives them. 

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(c) Copyright. Saul Carliner. 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002. All rights reserved.