Training volunteers

Page last edited 3,113 days ago
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General training approach

We run training sessions for new volunteers on 2 days that are not Thursday. Training sessions are vital before people start volunteering in order to cover legal necessities and introduce the diversity of the co-op.

  • Tailor training to volunteer’s interests
Running through a dogmatic checklist may lose the interest of a curious new member with information overload. For this reason, the following lists consist of must-do tasks for the trainer and a ::secondary list of things to explain to the new volunteer depending on how you gauge the situation.
  • Have a conversation with them
The easiest way to engage and interest them is through conversation.
Eg- What brings them to Thoughtful Foods? If it feels too intense, it might be better to get the must-do stuff done and get started on a simple and relaxed task such as making snack cones.
  • Be a role model
At all times, try to be an absolute model co-op member. It’s important to not only tell, but demonstrate impeccable food safety standards and to create a friendly vibe, for example by greeting ::shoppers and exhibiting a positive vibe. Offer tea, but remember to do some work!


Must-do list!

  1. Check that the volunteer is a current active member of the co-op (as opposed to Arc, as sometimes people think they are the same). If not, explain membership and it’s benefits. He/she might prefer to sign up after training but stress that only members can volunteer and obtain discounts.
  2. Wash hands, put on apron and encourage good food safety.
  3. Explain Workplace Health & Safety: check closed-toed shoes, that any long hair is tied up, correct way to lift heavy items. Also first aid kit, incident reports, contacts list, emergency phone number and fire extinguisher.
  4. Show them the Thoughtful Foods Membership Information booklet (if they haven’t seen this already) and the How-to-do-stuff book. Make sure the trainee realises that pretty much anything can be found in here, so it is a good first stop when anyone doesn’t know what to do.
  5. Make sure you:
  • go through the volunteer training form
  • get the volunteer to sign the training form
  • store the signed form in the training folder. If there are no blank ones, they can be found in the drop box in the volunteer folder.

Other important stuff for the volunteer to learn

  1. Take a tour of the shop, noting snack bar and right aisle, explain buying principles such as organic, fairtrade, minimally packaged, local. Also point out where stock is stored so that the vollie can help refill.
  2. Explain refill and First In First Out (FIFO).
  3. Scoops & tongs, wash them if they get dirty, replacements under sink and to replace throughout the day.
  4. Explain clothing exchange, use as example of how volunteers build co-ops, and members have rights and responsibilities
  5. When you get to the packaging, explain the bag and container policy – that we encourage people to bring their own and which ones people need to pay for.
  6. Explain peanut butter machine.
  7. Explain veggies; try to get a trainee who's ordered to explain how it works
  8. Explain washing and sterilisation procedures, where cleaning products are, how the towels work (and only to use towels for hands)
  9. Explain diary and to-do sheet on bench
  10. Point out bin + recycling
  11. Explain and demonstrate scales. Give the trainee a chance to use both himself/herself. Don’t forget to show the shopping lists and tell the trainee to remind people to write down how much each item is. Tell them that if they need change, or help with the till, they should ask a coordinator.
  12. Teach them the till only if they are really keen and likely to come back. Perhaps save it for a later time as a new skill to learn.
  13. Let them know when meetings are on, and that they're welcome to come.