5 Steps on How to Create a Fun and Engaging Online Volunteer Training
Train Volunteers Using Prepared, Adaptable and Hands-On Techniques
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Create a training outline
An outline will help you plan the topics, activities, and timeline. We highly recommend sharing this outline with your audience prior to the training so they know what to expect when they join the training. This helps set the tone for your presentation.
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Don't be afraid to mix it up.
Virtual training can easily get flat so don't be afraid to include activities that will help break up your topics into smaller, bite-sized chunks. According to Marnie Smith of Lighthouse NINE Group, you'll ideally want to have some sort of engagement piece every 3-5 minutes because that is about how long we can focus without interruption.
Some examples of activities can include ice breakers, breakout groups, quizzes, etc.
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Let them learn by doing.
No matter what type of learner you think you are, we believe that the best way to learn is by doing. This is where you can add activities that ask your participants to apply what they have learned by sharing their own experiences or their thoughts. This can be easily done through polls, participating by typing their comments, etc.
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Add your personality to it.
Virtual training or training, in general, do not have to be all about reading off a PowerPoint presentation - those are a thing of the past. If you want your participants to stay engaged and interested, you'll want to incorporate things that speak to your audience. Whether you use MEMEs, Funny GIFs, or a personal anecdote, etc. as long as it relates to your training don't be afraid to add it.
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Do follow-ups.
Post-training: We highly recommend sending out a follow-up with your participants to see if they have any unanswered questions on any of the topics you've covered, to ask for feedback, etc. This will help remind them of the training they had just attended and will hopefully prompt them to apply what they have learned.
Did you know?
United Way British Columbia's Volunteer Team offers support to Non-Profits who are in need of volunteers in British Columbia? Aside from UWBC's iVolunteer.ca platform, the volunteer team is also here to help actively promote your opportunities and provide other resources you may need to successfully recruit and manage volunteers.
You can email Aubrey Mendoza, Volunteer Coordinator. Non-Profit sector at aubreym@uwbc.ca to know more.
