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Managing Data on Volunteers
Whether you have 30 volunteers or 300, you need to keep records on them. At
a minimum, you record names, addresses, and contact information; but most organizations
also need to track hours, stipend information, clients served, availability
dates, and more.
Methods for tracking this information vary greatly.
Some people use database programs that they've developed
themselves, some use "off-the-shelf" database solutions
(referred to here as "packaged" database programs) designed
for volunteer organizations, some use a combination
of spreadsheets and word-processing programs, and some
still track everything with good old fashioned paper,
pencil, and calculator. Different kinds of software
programs serve different needs. This learning path will
help you understand how the different programs function
and which ones might best suit your needs.
The Big Picture
There are myriad ways to manage your data and there
isn't a single right way to accomplish the job. However,
some approaches will be more ideal for you than others.
Factors such as infrastructure, budget, and staff skills
will drive your decision. Here is the continuum of options,
from the most technologically simple to the most technologically
sophisticated.
|
Paper, Pencil,
Calculator |
Spreadsheets |
Packaged
Databases |
Customized
Databases |
Summary of this Section
Remember, the only thing that makes any option stand
out is how it fits into your overall organizational
picture. This learning path will assist you in understanding
the nuts and bolts of each option and in considering
the solutions that best fit your needs. |
