We Need A Volunteer Coordinator!

Lynn Kissel, LUNAR #009

Reflecting on the issue of volunteers for the launches, I have some ideas based on my experiences working at the monthly LARK (Livermore Area Radio Klub) swap meets at Las Positas College. This is a big event; they collect ~$1000-2000/month in seller entrance fees and they need a fair number of volunteers to make it all run smoothly.

A specific individual in LARK is responsible for calling (~1-2 weeks in advance) and getting commitments of people to work at the event, for specific time shifts. Of the 6 people that agreed to take the 6:30-8:30 gate duties for the September 1, 1996 swap meet, the date that I last volunteered for LARK, 4 people actually showed up. I was told by the coordinator that this was a typical rate. I agree to work every time I'm called, and I only get called about once every 12 months.

So, I think that LUNAR should have a staffing/volunteer coordinator like LARK. This person or persons uses the membership list and calls it in alphabetical order to fill the positions needed for launch-day operations. I don't think this person need use strong-arm tactics, but only need ask "Will you be able to help at the LUNAR launch next week?" The question all by itself carries some emotional punch, after all, YOU ARE a member of LUNAR. The coordinator makes a coded notation on the roster with the individual's response: "Heck yes, I've been waiting for a call!"; "Sorry, my mother's getting a hip replaced next week, but I'd be happy to help next month!"; "I plan to be too sick to work next week, but I may be able to launch my own rockets!"; "Hell no, and don't bother me again!" Over time, every single adult member gets a call. If you've said no the last time you were called, there is an increased expectation that you will say "Yes!" the next time.

I would argue that consistent lack of volunteering by an individual who is attending the launches would warrant special consideration at membership renewal time. I think that we should add a statement to the by-laws with our expectation for the level of volunteer efforts by the membership; it increases sense of community and common purpose within the membership, it is a valuable source of leadership training, develops communications shills, keeps costs down, etc.

I think that we should increase the RSO/LCO shifts to 1.5 hours each; setup, take-down counts as one shift each. I think that we should aim to over-staff each shift by 50% as there have been plenty of times that an extra set of hands would have been welcome during busy times, and assuming some people won't be able to satisfy their commitment.

If we don't have enough volunteers to make a go of it beforehand, we SCRUB THE LAUNCH! I expect that one or two scrubbed launches due to lack of volunteers should go a long way to increase the volunteer rate.

I would also propose that no individual member should work more than 2 shifts at any given launch. Warren Massey, as a specific example, regularly is the first person to arrive and the last to leave. He does setup, take-down, and usually MORE than one shift at the membership table or other positions. It is a rare launch that I don't do three or more shifts myself. Other core members are also working beyond reasonable and sustainable levels.

Many adult members have joined LUNAR because of their children, and some might be tempted to argue that this prevents them from taking a turn as RSO or LCO. It is a respected traditional attitude that we teach our children by example. You and your child should be working as a volunteer with LUNAR. It builds character, interpersonal skills and community values all the way around. I'm always surprised and gratified working with the younger volunteers of LUNAR; they're always eager to help. More often than not, the adults don't give enough meaningful work to the young. Besides, it is also fun.

What do you think?

Information date: Oct. 1, 1996 lk