With Harvest and Fall Festivals right around the corner, the church’s need for volunteers becomes crucial. Planning these events can be overwhelming. Here are a few ways to ease some of the stress when it comes to utilizing volunteers.
Although it can be time consuming, make sure all of your volunteers:
- Complete a written application
- Go through an interview process with the appropriate personnel
- Have a background check processed
Be sure that you check references for each volunteer and keep that documentation on file. Before the event, take steps to train and equip your volunteers to ensure they are capable in their assigned task, and reassign them if necessary. In addition, create a policy for the event including these best practice examples, and make sure that it is followed:
- Children must be accompanied by two staff/volunteer members at all times
- If a minor is volunteering, they need to be paired with an adult volunteer/staff member
- Ensure all equipment is thoroughly inspected before use
- Depending on the event, provide safety equipment and first aid (e.g., goggles, gloves, etc.)
- Ensure the volunteer/staff member has the proper training to operate vehicles, rides, etc.
Lastly, when planning for your event, keep the weather in consideration for the safety of your volunteers, staff, and event attendees. It is best to postpone outdoor events when bad weather may occur. In any case, make sure to have a plan in place in the event that bad weather occurs.
For more information regarding volunteers in the church click here.
Contact us at 866.662.8210 or info@agfinancialinsurance.org for information about obtaining proper insurance coverage for your ministry.
