The Rethink Group

Volunteer Engagement

Volunteers are the 'unpaid' staff of the organization. Donna Lockhart of The Rethink Group works in partnership with you to develop a model of volunteer engagement best suited to the resources of the organization. Donna offers a wide variety of services to help you "attract, support and expand" your volunteer resources. Here is a brief listing of services. For further information go to specific sections.

Workshops on EVENTS listing

Some of the workshops listed below are being conducted in communities around Ontario. Please check on the Upcoming Events Registration Events listing to locate a workshop date near you. If you would like to discuss having a workshop, contact Donna at donna@rethinkgroup.ca for future details.

Training Topics/Workshops

Donna's workshops are tailored to meet your needs and the following sample topics integrate "Best Practices." Topics are appropriate for staff training, a community-wide workshop, a session for conference or a keynote address.

"Donna's approach is both creative and inclusive - I will leave today feeling as though I've contributed and learned - many thanks." Alison Peck, United Way York Region.

Best Practices: SUCCESSFUL VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT
DYNAMIC TENSION: Recruitment & Retention
DEVELOPING A STRONG TEAM: Enabling Staff to work with Volunteers
SHIFTING GEARS: The Changing Volunteer Labour Force
BABY BOOMERS AS VOLUNTEERS: Engaging the ME Generation
LET'S GET CREATIVE: Best Practices for Engaging Youth as Volunteers
ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE: Philosophy Statement of Volunteerism
OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTIONS: Hidden Secrets in Design
KEEPING IT TIDY: Develop Policies & Procedures
STRATEGIC PLANNING for Managers of Volunteers
CORPORATE-EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

More about training...

Consulting Services

As a consultant, Donna focuses on:

Building a strong relationship with clients to ensure clarity about outcomes.
Attention to detail.
Outstanding follow-up.
Inspiring clients with creative ideas and new approaches.

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Research and Materials Development

Volunteer Program Audits, Assessement and Strategies
Population and trends analysis for expanding your volunteer base
Survey Tools: Volunteer Satisfaction
Volunteer Program Manuals, Resource Kits, Handbooks and Training Manuals
Policy and Procedure Manuals.

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Clients

Donna has a broad range of clients from the social, health, eduation, recreation and arts fields. A sample include: Charity Village; Volunteer Centre of Toronto, Province of Alberta; Big Brothers of Ontario; PAVR-O; Scugog Council for the Arts; City of Oshawa; Leisure World Caregiving Centres. Click here for a complete list of clients.

More about Clients...

DONNA LOCKHART, CVRM and Partner

" I am passionate about sharing resources and implementing best practices for volunteer engagement."

My expertise is in training, teaching and writing about volunteer engagement practices for the non profit sector. As a former manager of volunteers, I clearly understand the role and challenges.

I designed the Charity Village online course: Building a Great Volunteer Program as well as the College level Certificate in Volunteer Management. I have been a Director of Volunteers for United Way: an Executive Director for 2 non profits and Director of Staff Training & Development & Activation in long term care. This wide range of experience has enhanced my knowledge and understanding of the issues facing those who rely on unpaid resources.