Don and Jane ReinmuthThe Jazz Jubilee is over and we had a wonderful time. If we'd had a little more pep & vinegar we might have tried to see a few more bands in some of the other venues but we got a good sample just be staying at the Sheraton Grand.
During one of our lunch breaks we sat at the back of the Convention Center main Ballroom/Exhibit Hall where they had swing dancing almost non-stop. We pulled up a chair at a table that was already occupied by one lovely lady and asked if we could join her. She enthusiastically said, Yes! Turns out that the lady's name is Jane Reinmuth. She has been with the Jubilee almost from the beginning, has been inducted into the Jubilee's "Hall of Fame" and is a major player in the organization. She was the perfect person to talk witih about some of the internal decisions and conflicts that exist in the Jubilee bureaucracy.
She talked about some of the financial struggles the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society has had because of declining attendance and increased costs. Some volunteers have complained that we get t-shirts instead of pocket polos. When I suggested that they charge for the t-shirts so that everyone can order what they want. Jane responded with a disappointed humph "We tried to do that before and you should have seen the uproar.
I volunteer for the sake of doing something useful that extends the reach and effectiveness of the paid staff. I rarely get or expect to get anything in return for my work. In the case of the jubiliee, I'd like to see no out of pocket expense but I would buy a heavy t-shirt or sweat shirt. I would prefer free parking but could understand if they decided they couldn't afford it. Actually, considering my other volunteer positions, I don't get anything material from any of them. A recognition lunch or dinner once in a while would make the thanks a little more impressive but if we spend too much questions will be raised.
Anyone else think that volunteers should be glad for what they said, not demand mileaage, food or other perks?
Well, I guess the question is, as an organizer, would you rather have volunteers complain or leave? And what would you do if the volunteers just all left? Hire professionals? Sure paid workers could do more per person, but would it really be a better price than giving free parking and nice shirts?
ReplyDeleteVolunteers are after all just that, volunteers. If it becomes too much of a burden or not satisfying enough they will stop. Complaining can be seen as annoying, or as fair warning. Of course complaining can be replaced with suggesting, but the difference is not that well defined and I'm certain some of her "complainers" would describe themselves as "sugesters".
Mostly I think volunteers are like any other employees. You have to give enough benefit to keep enough coming to fill your staffing needs and its always a cost benefit analysis.