It is always predictable working with volunteers and typical with the poorest organized of the bunch that sooner or later we will have the, "I am a volunteer and this isn't my first priority" conversation. It usually arises as a result of me challenging them in some fashion to fulfill the responsibilities of the role the volunteer is accountable for in a timely manner or to meet the need for punctual information and direction to other employees, volunteers and patrons in the dynamic. Most volunteers are valued contributors and do a great job in their roles. Some volunteers mean well but undertake too much or are not equipped in knowledge, experience or available time to succeed in the roles they play. Some others talk the talk but don't walk the walk; they are quick to put on and flash their volunteer credentials but are light on effort when it comes to completing their role's associated tasks and communications.
It is no easy thing to push non-profit organizations and their hybrid teams comprised of employees and volunteers toward the adoption and maintenance of best business practices when there are volunteers in the mix who think they are more knowledgeable and experienced and are doing a better job than they actually are. Disciplinary policies and processes can serve to correct and improve on deficiencies in the performance of employees but mechanisms to address the inadequate performance of volunteers are less apparent and not as amenable to achieving corrective measures and outcomes.
Whether in a paid role or a volunteer role, every person contributing to the operations of a non-profit entity represents a link in its chain. The strength and capacity of that chain is only as good as its weakest link. The short-term and long-term success or failure of any initiative or enterprise is determined by the contributions of all those involved in it and their commitment to fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of their roles. Receiving or not receiving pay for the role performed and the service delivered is irrelevant to the equation. As a manager of employees and volunteers for more than three decades I have learned that the appropriate response is to dismiss the "I am a volunteer and this is not my first priority" statement as the go-to excuse of those who like the status their volunteerism affords them in social circles but don't like or aren't willing or able to do the work that goes with it. Those folks do a disservice to everyone involved, paid or unpaid, and it is in everyone's best interest for their link to be removed from the chain promptly.
The good reputation and success of any non-profit entity requires that all those who represent it and participate in it, whether paid or unpaid, consistently achieve some universally recognized best business practices related to communications. Replying to emails and voice mails received in a timely manner is everyone's responsibility. In today's world of PCs, tablets and smartphones claiming to be too busy to respond for days or weeks has nothing to do with being busy and everything to do with being disorganized, tardy and dismissive of ones responsibilities, whether paid to achieve them or otherwise.
The vast majority of communications, whether internal or external, can be addressed in under five minutes. Failing to put that time and effort in can and does result in others having to pick up the slack in the chain, and those others may or more likely may not have the information needed to do so appropriately and competently. Failing to do so also produces both internal and external frustrations for the parties who are waiting or are having to fill in with respect to those communications. Unless physical or mental incapacity is in play, no one, paid or unpaid, can legitimately use the "I am too busy" rationalization to justify not communicating punctually. It is a lame excuse, not a valid reason.
If communications are not a person's priority for accomplishment in any role undertaken in life, whether paid or unpaid, it is best to step aside and allow the role to be filled by someone else who will see them as the priority that they are. While a volunteer role may not be a first priority, it is certain that the initiative or enterprise participated in is of primary importance to those who are committed to it as a priority, be they paid or unpaid. Any volunteer who sees their role as one that can be shelved in favor of their other life involvements is disrespecting all involved by being a weak link in the chain and their contributions, or lack thereof, are a burden no one else should rightly have to carry. Do your part or don't. If you do your part you can be assured it will be appreciated. If you are not going to do what can and should be reasonably expected then please have the courtesy to admit you are not the right person for the role and quit.
