In November, seven VIP supervisors completed the "Basics of Volunteer Management" course led by Dana Riley, Executive Director of Volunteer McKinney.

This training empowers staff to be successful leaders when directing volunteers and handling day-to-day activities. It included best practices for creating a job description, interviewing, and communicating the department's mission. Supervisors also learned about matching a volunteer's interests, motivations, and needs to the right position. Strategies for long-term retention and motivation were also included in the training.
 
 "Volunteers need support to perform their duties. A designated supervisor is the person they can turn to for advice, guidance, encouragement, and feedback. The supervisor provides the orientation, training, and direction to enable the volunteer to perform assigned tasks effectively. The most important responsibility of a supervisor is to create an environment that empowers the volunteers to perform their duties successfully," explains Corina Sadler, Volunteer Resources Coordinator.

V olunteer Management course attendees pictured are Mike Meyer, PFRA; Joe Cochran, PCPAAA/PFRA; Raney Krev, Senior Center; Carolyn Russell, Environmental Health; Linda Wilson, Haggard Library; Heather Firn, Environmental Health.

Volunteers were praised for going "Above and Beyond" to serve patrons at the Plano Senior Recreation Center's recognition event in October. Pictured left to right are Council Members David Downs and Angela Miner, Mary Jo Dolen, Darcy Koss, Bonnie Michels, Senior Center Supervisor Karen Williams, Dick Breitbert, and Council Member Tom Harrison. Volunteer Jim Hoggins was also recognized but is not pictured.

Thank you for donating 118 coats and other items to benefit the Collin County Homeless Coalition.