When choosing volunteer management software for education, it’s vital to consider all your needs before making a choice. What kind of work will your volunteers will be doing? How much tracking and reporting do you need? Your perfect app should not only fit the current needs but also be scalable and user-friendly for everyone involved. Let’s dive into what features you should look for and what to avoid.
Must-have features for managing volunteers in education
Tracking volunteer hours is certainly essential. This data is crucial not only for reward and recognition programs but also to report to stakeholders and grant-giving bodies. The ability to simply log hours through an intuitive interface is a must-have.
Communication tools are non-negotiable. Volunteers need to chat, receive updates, and get tasks assigned seamlessly. Look for software that includes built-in messaging or integrates well with popular messaging apps. This keeps everyone on the same page and reduces the likelihood of miscommunication.
Role assignment and scheduling capabilities help with matching volunteers to tasks. Whether it’s tutoring, mentoring, or managing literacy programs, you need a system that allows for easy sorting based on skills, interest, or availability. This ensures that the right people are offered opportunities they actually care about.
What to avoid when managing volunteers in education
Avoid overly complex systems that require extensive training. Time spent learning new software is time lost aiding with educational initiatives. Software should be intuitive enough that volunteers and coordinators can pick it up quickly without extensive onboarding.
Lack of real-time updates can cause significant problems. If volunteers and managers don’t get reminders (or even have access) to the latest information, it leads to confusion and missed opportunities. Choose a software that allows instant updates and notifications for all users.
Avoid siloed data. Your volunteer management software should integrate smoothly with other tools you’re using, such as calendars and CRM systems. This integration minimizes data entry errors and saves time by creating a seamless workflow for managing volunteer activities.
How we can help
There are countless software options out there, and not every app fits every situation. We invite you to try Zelos and sign up for a free account. If you’re managing on-demand volunteers in education, we believe it’s definitely worth giving it a shot!