I recently served as a worker in a local election — a new experience for me, and one I hope to repeat. My main take-away, detailed in Part 1, was how much it taught me about my community. But I also benefited experiencing, from a volunteer’s perspective, some best practives of volunteer engagement.

Training matters. This task was entirely new to me. When I began to see the complexity of it – the many rules, the variety of tech involved, the number of special circumstances that can arise, I was overwhelmed and anxious, because it was so important to do it right. The required in-person (3 hours) and online (another 2-3 hours) of training were helpful, as was the detailed 200-page reference manual. Most reassuring was knowing I’d be paired with experienced poll workers. These folks mentioned that the training and the guide are always being tweaked and improved, and it showed. We were well prepared.

Support matters. Of course, unexpected complications did come up. The well-staffed hotline helped us through them. A support person also dropped by twice during the day to see if we needed help. 

Leaders, it’s healthy to be a new volunteer in a new environment every now and then.

Standards and purpose matter. The importance and privacy of each person’s vote was stressed in all we did. I was impressed by all the procedures and protections that were in place to guarantee the integrity of the election. No matter our political opinions, we shared a clear and common purpose. 

Leaders, it’s healthy to be a new volunteer in a new environment every now and then!

Leaders: When was the last time you volunteered outside the church for something entirely new to you? When a new volunteer joins your ministry, how much training do they receive? With new and long-time volunteers, how often do you ask them, “How’s it going?” in a manner that indicates you really do want to know! How would they express the purpose of the ministry?

All: When you notice a new volunteer, do you go out of your way to welcome them, ask if they have questions or could use some help, and thank them? When volunteers have a good experience serving, they’re much less likely to be “too busy” the next time they’re asked to serve.

Serving in an Election, Part 1 – Community Learnings