The Real Value and Cost of Volunteers
Mike Preston
Volunteer Management
The impact of Volunteer Managers refusing to write references due to laziness
Sian K Volunteer at AgeUK Posted 4 months ago
Volunteer work plays a crucial role in supporting non-profit organisations and community initiatives. Volunteers contribute their time, skills, and energy to causes they care about, often gaining valuable experience and personal satisfaction in the process. However, a contentious issue that can arise is when volunteer managers refuse to write references for volunteers. This refusal can have significant consequences for the volunteer's career and personal growth. Understanding these implications and knowing what actions to take is essential for volunteers navigating this situation.
Consequences of Refusing to Write References
- Hindered Career Advancement: References are critical for job applications, further education, and other volunteer opportunities. Without a reference, volunteers may struggle to showcase their contributions and the skills they've developed, limiting their chances for advancement.
- Demoralisation: Being denied a reference can be demoralising. Volunteers invest their time and effort, often without financial compensation, and a refusal to acknowledge their contributions can lead to feelings of undervaluation and frustration.
- Reputation Impact: The refusal to provide a reference can be interpreted negatively by future employers or institutions, casting doubt on the volunteer’s performance and reliability, even if the volunteer's contributions were exemplary.
- Erosion of Trust: Such refusals can damage the relationship between volunteers and organisations. Trust and mutual respect are foundational to volunteer engagement, and when volunteers feel unsupported, it can lead to a breakdown in this relationship.
Reasons for Refusal
Understanding why a volunteer manager might refuse to write a reference can help in addressing the issue. Common reasons include:
- Lack of Awareness: The manager might be unaware of the volunteer’s specific contributions or achievements.
- Organisation Policies: Some organisations have strict policies regarding reference letters, perhaps only allowing senior staff to provide them.
- Performance Issues: There may be concerns about the volunteer's performance or behaviour that the volunteer is not aware of.
- Administrative Burden: Writing references can be time-consuming, and some managers might refuse due to workload pressures.
Actions Volunteers Can Take
If you find yourself in a situation where a volunteer manager refuses to write a reference, here are some steps you can take:
- Request Feedback: Politely ask for feedback on your performance and contributions. Understanding any concerns can help you address them directly and improve in future roles.
- Seek Clarification: Ask for a clear explanation of the reasons behind the refusal. This can help you understand if the issue is related to organisational policy, personal performance, or other factors.
- Provide Documentation: Offer to provide a detailed summary of your volunteer work, including hours contributed, tasks performed, and any achievements. This can make it easier for the manager to write a reference.
- Identify Alternative References: If the manager cannot or will not provide a reference, consider asking other individuals within the organisation who are familiar with your work, such as colleagues, supervisors, or team leads.
- Leverage Other Documentation: Use certificates of completion, thank-you letters, or performance reviews as alternative forms of proof for your contributions and skills.
- Discuss Organisational Policies: If the refusal is based on a policy, you might discuss with higher management or the HR department to understand the policy and explore any possible exceptions.
- Reflect and Learn: Take this as an opportunity to reflect on your experience. Consider what you might do differently in future volunteer roles to ensure you can secure references, such as setting clear expectations about references from the outset.
- Network: Build relationships within the organisation and beyond. Networking can sometimes provide informal references or connections that can be valuable in lieu of formal references.
Conclusion
Volunteer managers' refusal to write references can have far-reaching consequences for volunteers, impacting their career and personal development. However, understanding the reasons behind the refusal and taking proactive steps can mitigate these effects. By seeking feedback, clarifying the situation, and finding alternative ways to document their contributions, volunteers can navigate these challenges and continue to benefit from their volunteer experiences. Volunteering remains a powerful avenue for personal and professional growth, and overcoming obstacles related to references can further strengthen a volunteer's resilience and resourcefulness.
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