Re: Aim and conflict in volunteer organizations

[Jim Walker <w.james.walker@sympatico.ca>]

David continues the very helpful practice many DEN contributors engage in -
analysis. This practice is, in my experience, the element which is never
implemented in the volunteer organizations with which I have been
affiliated. Except the meetings of which I am the chair.

At the end of each meeting I have an agenda item which asks the
participants what we could do better or differently just with the format
and patterning of the meeting itself. In two years of monthly meetings I've
had one person indicate that she'd like a little more time to read the
information I always send ahead. Great, that part of the system worked. I
modified my pattern. That volunteer is still with  us.

Also, at the beginning of each meeting I always have a 'fellowship' kind of
question or item. "If you are comfortable doing so please share with us why
you are energized around the work we do". This gives people an opportunity
to participate in the affective domain which may be one of the reasons they
choose to show up.

Do we evaluate how effective our committee is? Come to think of it, no!
There is a lot of wisdom out there in the DEN community. What are some
success indicators for volunteer organizations? (And I'm sure someone will
immediately want to recommend definitions for 'success')

Regards,
Jim Walker