From program delivery to community outreach, from communications to advocacy, volunteers are responsible for so much in the running of our organizations.

Can you imagine your organization without volunteers? Creating a culture of excellence in your volunteer program elevates your ability to retain volunteers, attract new ones, raise awareness of your mission and ultimately, increase your impact in the world.

During my many years working with social impact organizations, I’ve observed four key focuses that contribute to a culture of excellence:

1. Mission focus

2. Volunteer focus

3. Systems focus

4. Performance focus

First, the mission focus. There is a reason your organization exists. There is a need out there that it was created to fill. Filling that need is the mission. The organization must fully align the volunteer program with its mission for it to be truly useful. There’s no point in having volunteers do tasks that don’t contribute to the organization’s purpose.

Having a mission-focused culture can help you attract more volunteers, retain the existing ones and build a strong reputation in the community. Here are some questions to help you develop a mission........

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