5 minutes with a Volunteer Resources Advisor
5 minutes with a Volunteer Resources Advisor
5 December 2021
Volunteers play a crucial part in The Salvation Army's mission to live, love and fight alongside others in the name of Jesus – but every volunteer is different. On International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the people who give their all for others.
Meet Lorraine Prakash, a Volunteer Resources Advisor for The Salvation Army. To mark International Volunteer Day, Others asked her a few questions about her role and the launch of VolHQ – the new online facility for TSA mission volunteers.
Lorraine Prakash is a Volunteer Resources Advisor for The Salvation Army.
Where are you usually based? How has COVID-19 affected how you work?
The Volunteer Resources Advisor role in the past has been primarily based on the road. We value maintaining the practice of being somewhat face-to-face with the managers and administrators we support, so that they can feel to be seen, heard and known within the vastness of the organisation. Being in lockdown over the past year has given the VR team and me opportunities to be creative in how we can continue to build and nurture our relationships with the front line, through what could have been a very disconnected season due to COVID-19.
But within the presence of pain is the opportunity to be strengthened, and in the presence of challenge lies the opportunity for creativity. And that is what I have had the privilege of seeing. I have witnessed the resilience of managers and their care for their teams during the season. I have had the privilege of getting creative with them and helping them find their potential for growth during some difficult days.
I have even taught some of the managers to use Microsoft Teams and how to run a Zoom Room game, which in turn has been a blessing to them, not just in their professional life but also in their personal life. What set out to be a meeting about volunteer management and systems turned into a gift of how to connect with their immediate family, friends and corps teams over the lockdown period.
These scenarios are not unusual. Being relational and showing kindness when a manager is learning and applying tricky online systems has been key to supporting them in the COVID-19 climate. I don’t just aim to build a person’s capability for the organisation, I aim (in small but powerful ways) to build their capability for living.
What does a typical day involve for you? What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at work (even if that’s at home at the moment!)?
My main aim every day when coming to work is to inspire, equip and assist TSA personnel with all things volunteering. I am a creature of habit – my usual morning begins the same every day with a strong coffee and my B-I-B-L-E. My faith in Jesus is important to me. Spending time with him every morning helps shape my heart and mindset of how to approach every day. But let’s not forget my cappuccino – it’s a glimpse of heaven every morning!
I love a well-planned out calendar – but I have learned to pivot and be agile in my role. If the days aren’t typical for our managers, they are not typical for us. The team and I have had to proactively equip ourselves for the various scenarios that may occur, so that we can respond in a timely and excellent manner.
It helps that I can touch base with our amazing national Volunteer Resources Advisor team if I hit a hurdle or am unsure of a response in a situation. It is like having your very own ‘well of wisdom’ to draw from every day – and I have to say the national VRA team are knowledgeable and passionate people who are passionate about others. It is my joy to journey with them every day. Each of them brings a unique skill set and approach to their role. They have inspired my professional and personal growth.
I invite more managers of volunteers to touch base, not just in reaction to volunteer management issues, but to proactively plan their volunteer workforce. We help create and nurture thriving volunteer teams, who are inspired by the vision of TSA and equipped for its mission.
What’s the most challenging part of your work?
The most challenging part of my job is navigating the complexities and the pain of change. Almost every consultation and meeting incorporates advice on how to manage change in a healthy and effective way. I feel as though I can help people find the silver lining of a perceived dark cloud.
What’s the most rewarding?
I am passionate about mission and am a minister at heart. I love helping managers in the organisational and more complex side of missional work. My role enables me to provide them with options and resources to continue accomplishing the mission safely and effectively. I know that when I serve the mission of TSA I am serving God’s heart for humanity, and that is especially rewarding.
Tell us about VolHQ (the new online facility for TSA mission volunteers).
VolHQ is the first ever online ‘home’ for Salvos mission volunteers, and we were so excited to launch it a few months ago. Volunteers can log on to VolHQ find essential information, latest news, benefits, wellbeing support, training and more. It’s been specifically designed for our volunteers and I really encourage volunteers (and those thinking about volunteering) to log on and check it out at https://my.salvos.org.au/volhq/.
Comments
Lorraine is awesome - such a great resource for Corps Officers & Volunteer Administrators
Very good