Would you turn away help?

[Barry Butrymowicz]

Being a former BOD I know that at times its nice to have a little help from the WGA general membership, be it help on the website, at events, or other behind the scenes things that have to be done.

If there were general members that would like to help, how would you handle the security issues of letting them help on the website?

Would you feel safe having them work the “store” at a event, knowing that there is cash being handled by non BOD?

What about handling food or cooking pancakes at at one of the events?

 

 

[HamFam]

My first thought was, “I guess we’d have to deal with it on a case by case basis.”  But I don’t know that that really matters either.  Are any of the board members scrutinized?  Do we know if they were bank robbers in a past life?  I doubt it.  I rarely turn away help.  I think that we have to assume that people are inherently good and that they won’t steal, and will wash their hands.  Now if that seems too laid back, I suppose we could hire a Money truck and a couple armed guards…  And if someone’s willing to stand over the hot griddle for an hour or two turning out perfect pancakes, then more power to them.

The views expressed here are that of myself only and do not necessarily represent that of the WGA board.

[BigJim]

Well, I have been that guy standing over the hot grill, cooking pancakes at 3 or 4 West Bend pancake breakfasts. Nobody ever asked me about my qualifications (ServeSafe trained, though I have not kept up my certification). I believe that if someone offered to help, I would ask about their experience, qualifications, and what their preferences are. I’ve been in the position before of being asked to do a job that I was overqualified for, while less-qualified people were doing the tasks that I should have been assigned to. It doesn’t make you feel good about volunteering, or want to return. Matching people to the right jobs is important, but I can usually find something for everyone to do. Barry, you can flip pancakes with me any time.

All opinions, comments, and useless drivel I post are mine alone and do not reflect the opinions of the WGA BOD.

[_LoisLane_]

I’d say it depends on the person, if someone on the board feels uncomfortable with that person helping then they would just have to be tastefully told they couldn’t help with that particular area. But as far as a common rule though, I normally don’t turn down help unless there is a good reason to. Especially if someone is enthusiastic about it and the help is needed. Of course, it also helps to find out which jobs will fit best with which people to make things run as smooth as possible.

[rawevil]

The WGA has always been looking for volunteers from what I understand. That is how I originally started becoming immersed in the organization. After becoming a board member, I now know that there is a 2 person BOD/member minimum for reconciling all monies at the end of the event. Also, there needs to be at least one person that is certified in safe food handling during any event where food is handled.

As far as the website goes, I know the board is still trying to come up with a good solution to allow people who are interested in helping, access to the site. If this is not on the annual BOD agenda, I would hope it would be added.

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.

-Henry David Thoreau

[raslas]

You are 100% right, help from the general membership is very nice and greatly appreciated. It is fantastic to see our members involved. As far as the website, if a member is helping they would need access but not to the entire website. They should be granted access only to the necessary areas. And as rawevil stated, this issue is being discussed by the current BOD. With the new BOD I hope this discussion continues. As far as handling the cash, there are usually at least 2 people involved. This also applies to reconciling things at the end of the day. And events which handle food there is always at least 1 person present certified in safe food handling.

[awhip80]

I wouldn’t turn away help unless all necessary volunteer spots are filled. Finding enough volunteers to run events and normal everyday operations of an organization can be a challenge.

If volunteers are needed and someone offers their help, make them aware of the areas in which help is needed and ask them what their best fit would be. If volunteer spots are full, politely inform them of that and let them know that they will go to the top of your volunteer list for the next event.

[graphicsgirl19]

Why turn away free help? There of course certain rules that need to be followed especially when it comes to money handling and food safety. But there is always a place for someone. It might take a few moments to decide where it would be most beneficial to place everyone but if the end result is everyone providing the best experience or assistance they can, then do it.

[sevencards]

There is a position for everybody, from the banker to the garbage man or woman. Thge speaker to the scriben there is no need to turn anyone away.

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