Volunteers - Tips to Motivate ThemWritten by Heidi Richards, MS
"Volunteers, like employees (and children), need proper guidance and training in order for them to be a success in their job." Heidi Richards Recruiting volunteers is only half challenge in any endeavor. You must properly train them so they will work out to be true assets. As we help volunteers recognize rewards of their service, we must also acknowledge that there may be a downside. Volunteering takes time away from family or personal pursuits. Good leaders" tell it like it is," being careful not to understate what is expected. Let your volunteers know up front exactly what is involved in their tasks and what is expected of them, and they will appreciate you for it. Personal contact is key to more effective recruiting. While volunteers will respond to public invitations such as media announcements and ads, they respond more easily to personal invitations to become involved. Be careful that persons being recruited are right fit and not just saying yes to a good "sales pitch." Motivating volunteers means that they feel they are wanted and needed, are an important part of organization, are accepted by group and that they are contributing to heart of community. Enrolling new volunteers selectively with long-term commitment as primary criteria will ensure that they are "motivated" from outset. People like being appreciated. We all want to be recognized for our contributions. It makes us feel good when we are thanked for our efforts. Appreciated volunteers are more likely to continue to serve. Recognition should be commensurate to what volunteer has achieved; it must be earned. False praise can be counter-productive and even offensive to some. Service to others and a sense of achievement are other key components to motivating volunteers. There is a special satisfaction that goes along with making life a little less difficult for someone else. It makes us feel better about ourselves. When volunteers achieve their goals, telling them is only beginning. Telling others in newsletters, press releases and conversation goes along way with enhancing a volunteer's commitment. Community volunteerism is about service to others. Leaders help volunteers recognize that their contributions of time, talent and treasure improve quality of life of others as well as themselves.
| | Here Comes the Sun (Signs) - Romance, Astrology and You (Part Two)Written by Heidi Richards, Chief Goddess
Earth Signs In Part One, I talked about how astrology can determine how you act and react in romantic situations. We also covered fire signs. Earth signs are physical and have to do with primarily material affairs. They are natural and their feet tend to be firmly planted on ground, "earthy" types. The hallmark of earth signs is practicality. TAURUS - (April 21 – May 21) Taurus is ruled by Venus and its symbol is bull. Taurus is an Earth sign which is connected with fruitfulness and stability. You love luxury and sensual comforts such as silky satin sheets, robes fit for a king or queen and beautiful surroundings. You seek comfort, security and beauty. A perfect romance to you is one that is harmonious and beautiful, even if a bit materialistic. Because of your fondness for pretty things, you will proudly display your possessions and purchasing power. You are easygoing, calm, and comfortable to be around. You enjoy sharing "quiet times" with your love interest and also get excited about everyday activities such as shopping and cooking and dining. You tend to be stubborn and will do whatever you can to get what you want. When it comes to showering affection on object of your desire, you enjoy physical contact. You have a very sensual nature and appreciate pleasures of food, art, music, perfumes, fondling, or sex. Because you appreciate nature; a walk in woods, hiking and rock-climbing may be considered exciting dates. You also love sunsets camping, gardening and simply being outdoors and can be attracted to those who are equally down-to-earth and outdoorsy. As long as your partner or mate displays qualities of loyalty and honesty qualities which you likely possess, they will have your undying loyalty and a relationship destined to endure. VIRGO - (August 23 - September 22) Virgo is ruled by Mercury and is symbolized by Virgin. As an Earth sign, Virgo is connected with material things and practicality. The ultimate organizer, you gravitate toward anything that puts your analytical mind to use. To outside world you may appear reserved and tend to hold back your emotions, when it comes to love, it’s no holds barred for loving Virgo. You display great attention to detail which can be considered good fortune or a curse when it comes to relationships. You are good at remembering your partner’s desires (even those that were only mentioned in passing) and love to cater to those desires. To you, organizing object of your affections is considered “flirting.” Your favorite role is to be of help and service to friends and partners. You are witty, perceptive and logical. Your reasoning powers help you to resolve conflicts easily and quickly taking your romance to new depths. You need a partner who will help you loosen your cautious shy nature. You are a good listener and communicator, an important aspect in romance. You love to “fuss” over your partner and can sometimes be seen as critical. Your partner should know though, that if you were not interested, you would not work so hard to help your love interest be “all he or she can be.” Good health is of great concern to you and you work hard to take care of yourself. You aim to please and when it comes to love you fall hard. Virgos are most attracted to those who keep themselves physically fit.
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