The Opportunities, Challenges and Rewards
SECOND EDITION
By Ö.Ö. Katlıi and E. Özdemirii
i Philips Health System Netherlands, The Netherlands
ii Roketsan Inc, Ankara, Turkey;
ABSTRACT
This paper explores the dynamics of building high-performing volunteer teams within non-profit organizations. Central to our findings is the “Katli-Ozdemir Engagement Model”, which emphasizes trust, clear communication, and recognition as key components to foster a supportive and engaging environment for volunteers. Through a detailed case study, we illustrate the successful application of these principles, highlighting strategies like regular feedback, milestone celebrations, and management of team interactions and efficiency. The practical evidence presented demonstrates how creating a supportive and engaging environment is crucial for enhancing volunteer satisfaction, retention, and the overall performance of the team. This paper offers valuable insights and practical implications for non-profit organizations striving to optimize their volunteer engagement practices and achieve higher levels of team efficacy and sustainability.
WHY WE VOLUNTEER?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations, embodying the passion, commitment, and drive essential for achieving mission-critical goals. They bring diverse skills, perspectives, and the willingness to dedicate their time and energy without financial reward, demonstrating a collective commitment to social, environmental, or cultural causes. This selfless engagement enriches organizations, enabling them to expand their reach and impact significantly beyond what would be possible through paid staff alone. Volunteers truly are the heartbeat of these organizations, pumping vitality, innovation, and a sense of community into every project and initiative they undertake.
The dedication and efforts of volunteers significantly impact the success of nonprofit and community-based initiatives. As driving forces, they contribute not just through sheer numbers, but through their invaluable time, talent, and effort. This is quantifiably evident in the United States, where volunteers’ contributions are valued at approximately $187.7 billion annually (Campbell, 2020). The economic efficiency is further emphasized when considering the substantial savings nonprofits incur by not having to cover the usual employee expenses, such as salaries and benefits.
In Australia, the tangible impact of volunteers is reflected in the over 520 million hours of community service provided in 2012-13 financial year alone (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2015). Moreover, volunteers’ roles in advocacy and awareness are profound. The 2020 Australian wildfires saw volunteers not only in rescue operations but also in driving significant awareness efforts, showcasing the strength of community spirit and collective action. Over 195,000 volunteers across various fire services illustrate the vast network of community support and the indispensable role they play in times of crisis. While it’s challenging to quantify the precise economic impact of volunteer firefighters in Australia, their contribution is undeniably significant. If we consider a modest estimate where each volunteer dedicates 150 hours annually, the overall input becomes considerable, especially considering the extended hours given during demanding seasons. Calculated against the average weekly wage in Australia, the value of this volunteerism is estimated to be around A$1.3 billion, reflecting both their commitment and the substantial benefit to the community (Cull, 2020).
Volunteers aren’t just free labor; they are passionate individuals looking to make a difference. The act of volunteering is rooted in the selfless desire to give back, contributing positively to the community and touching lives. It’s a journey that offers deep personal fulfillment, with the majority of volunteers experiencing an uplifted mood and a profound sense of accomplishment, evidenced by over 90% of individuals experiencing a boost in their mood from engaging in volunteer work (McGarvey, Jochum, Davies, Dobbs, & Hornung, 2019).
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Editor’s note: Second Editions are previously published papers that have continued relevance in today’s project management world, or which were originally published in conference proceedings or in a language other than English. Original publication acknowledged; authors retain copyright. This paper was originally presented at the 11th Annual University of Maryland PM Symposium in April 2024. It is republished here with the permission of the authors and conference organizers.
How to cite this paper: Katli, Ö. Ö., Özdemir, E. (2025, 2024). Building High Performing Volunteer Teams: The Opportunities, Challenges, and Rewards; presented at the 11th Annual University of Maryland Project Management Symposium, College Park, Maryland, USA in April 2024; republished in the PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue I, January 2025. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pmwj148-Jan2025-Katli-Ozdemir-Building-High-Performance-Volunteer-Teams.pdf
About the Authors
Özüm Öyküm KATLI
Veldhoven, The Netherlands
Özüm Öyküm Katli is a Senior Project Manager with over 15 years of experience leading innovative R&D projects from concept to completion. Renowned for her expertise in project management excellence, Özüm has delivered impactful insights on topics such as innovative teamwork through IoT and AI, gamification, and personal branding development at prestigious forums.
As a dynamic workshop facilitator and mentor, she is passionate about empowering teams and fostering collaboration across all organizational levels. Özüm is a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, a certified Six Sigma Green Belt, a public speaker, and a published author in PM World Journal and Harvard Business Review Türkiye. A former Vice President of Events at PMI Türkiye (2020–2022), she continues to drive transformation and inspire success through her thought leadership and initiatives. Residing in Veldhoven, Netherlands, Öyküm welcomes contact on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozum-oykum-katli/.
Emrah ÖZDEMİR
Ankara, Tukey
Emrah Özdemir is a PMO Manager in Turkey’s defense industry, leading innovative efforts in digitalization, process improvement, and project management modernization. Known for pioneering concepts like the ‘Citizen Project Manager’ and exploring Agile frameworks, he has shared insights on pragmatic transformation roadmap using Disciplined Agile and SAFe, PMO as a Service, automation, and AI at prestigious events such as the PMI Global Summit and the NATO Life Cycle Conference. Emrah can be contacted at emrahozdemir.is@gmail.com
