Crucial conversations: De-escalating volunteer conflict

Do you have staff who are anti-volunteer? Do you have volunteers who think the staff can do no right? Have you ever felt like you’re herding cats to get everyone on the same page and around the same table? Let’s talk about it. A constant fact of volunteer engagement is being faced with challenging questions and tough conversations. No matter the topic on the table—from euthanasia to adoption, from intake policies to general operational procedures to volunteer performance, there are tried-and-true practices to get staff and volunteers on the same page.

This workshop covers ways to de-escalate, de-stress and put the pitchforks down. We’ll explore common challenging conversations faced by volunteer engagement professionals; provide real-life examples of successes and failures; and provide tips and strategies for preparing for, carrying out and following up on the toughest conversations. We’ll also address ways that having tough conversations can be avoided in the first place, and how surviving them can help to build the relationships that our success depends upon. By resolving disagreements in a way where everyone is respected and feels understood, you are able to promote an atmosphere of cooperation so everyone can keep their focus where it belongs: on the mission.

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Presenters

• Lisa Wetherby, CVA, Program Manager, Animal Rescue Volunteer Program, Humane World for Animals
• Sarah Sukhram, CVA, Volunteer Services Manager, Pasco County Support Services