THE BRIEF AND THE DEBRIEF
SETTING EXPECTATIONS AND PROVIDING SPACE FOR CRITICAL REFLECTION
Volunteers at all levels need to be “briefed” on what to expect at any given event. First-time volunteers in particular need the direction that
the brief offers; without it, they will feel uncomfortable and unnecessary. The brief should take about 10 minutes before the event starts.
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DURING THE BRIEF, DO THESE 4 THINGS:
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THANK EVERYONE FOR COMING
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Thank everyone for coming.
Explain why they’re there and why that’s important.
Outline the logistics of the day.
Remind them that there will be a short debrief following the event.
This may seem like common sense, but thanking volunteers is something that is often overlooked. Let them know that no
matter how much they accomplish at the activity, it is simply the act of showing up that matters.
Either you or someone from the organization should give a little background on the work taking place that day.
EXPLAIN WHY THEY’RE THERE AND WHY THAT’S IMPORTANT
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Setting expectations is very important. If people aren’t told what to expect, they’ll make assumptions and become frustrated.
Many volunteers will evaluate the activity based on their own personal productivity. If they got a lot done when the day is over, they will
feel like it was a “good” event. If they didn’t accomplish anything, they are likely to feel frustrated.
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Your job during the brief is to adjust their expectations. The activity is not about how much work is accomplished; rather, it is
to communicate value to the community being served. Volunteering happens in places where people don’t have access to the
help that they need; volunteers are there to say, “We believe you are valuable and you are worth our time.”
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Explain to your volunteers that the most important thing they will do at the event is to give their time to the community. That day’s
Engaging Employees
activities are not going to solve any longterm problems, but they will say, “someone cares about you.” Remind your volunteers:
in Corporate Citizenship
“The value of the people being served is not based on what they have or don’t have; what they do or don’t do – and
neither is yours. Today, we are all equal.”
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OUTLINE THE LOGISTICS OF THE DAY
Another part of helping volunteers feel comfortable is making sure they know the basics of where to go and what to do
at an event. Take a moment to point out who’s in charge and welcome volunteers to approach those people with questions.
Point out other important information. For example:
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Where to sign in
What time the event is scheduled to end
Where the restrooms are
REMIND THEM THAT THERE WILL BE A SHORT DEBRIEF AFTER THE EVENT
Volunteers will need a reminder at the end of the event to take time to reflect and consider how their volunteering experience affected
them. Let them know during the brief that you would like them to gather for 10 minutes after the event is over to do a group debrief.
It is likely that some people will need to leave early to attend to other obligations. Ask those people to check in with you before they go.
AT THE DEBRIEF, JUST ASK THESE 3 QUESTIONS:
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What did you experience?
Was it what you expected? Why or why not?
Will this have any affect on your life going forward?
Not everyone needs to answer; just hearing the questions will enable volunteers to reflect throughout the week on the activity.