Tasha Dyson, with a background in Biology, stepped into the role of Volunteer Programs Manager at Oklahoma City Zoo in January 2022. Her mission was to breathe new life into and expand the zoo's volunteer management program after the pandemic, using her passion for connecting people with wildlife to spur conservation and action.
In 2023, the OKC Zoo's volunteer management program successfully engaged over 3,000 volunteers across a range of departments. The aim was to involve volunteers in a variety of functions – from animal care and botanical gardens to science and research initiatives, adding depth to the program with unique roles in PR, marketing, and photography.
Facing post-pandemic challenges, Tasha saw an opportunity to overhaul the program. Reflecting on the successes and failures before the pandemic, she began by redefining the role of volunteers, treating them as essential, unpaid staff and donors. This approach not only made the program more efficient but also laid the groundwork for future growth.
Tasha's experience shows the importance of continually reflecting on and improving existing processes within your volunteer management program to foster meaningful change. Established practices within your organisation can always be reevaluated and enhanced.
One of Tasha's first significant moves was to view volunteers as unpaid staff and donors, which helped gain the support of senior leadership who saw the value in this perspective. This strategic framing facilitated leadership buy-in and helped overcome various obstacles.
Tasha underscored the importance of clearly defining the target volunteer profile. By welcoming everyone, including past volunteers, the Zoo managed to set the right expectations and effectively navigate the change management process. She highlighted the advantages of episodic and microvolunteering, drawing in diverse groups for short-term commitments and significantly aiding the program's growth.
Maintaining consistent communication was key for Tasha, emphasising the importance of keeping volunteers informed about what's happening within the organisation. This approach helped create a sense of belonging and was crucial for effectively managing challenges as the program expanded.
Tasha aimed to streamline the on-boarding process, removing unnecessary barriers, which led to a more diverse group of volunteers. This move towards inclusivity is an important consideration for any organisation looking to improve their volunteer program.
Managing corporate volunteers required a different strategy, focusing on team bonding and integrating them into the existing department structures for efficient management. This tactic highlights the value of leveraging staff expertise in daily volunteer management.
Tasha's strategic approach, from redefining the volunteer role to embracing episodic volunteering, has not only reinvigorated the Oklahoma City Zoo's volunteer program but also set a blueprint for others aiming to launch and grow their initiatives. By innovating and leveraging existing resources, Tasha has significantly impacted volunteer engagement and organisational success.