The Quick Count and Election Observation

C H A P T E R F O U R : B U I L D I N G T H E V O L U N T E E R N E T W O R K
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The volunteer coordination
team should
continuously assess
volunteer satisfaction,
particularly in the busy
regional and municipal
committees.
Motivating Volunteers
Motivating volunteers is a frequently glossed-over but fundamental part of the
volunteer coordination team’s job. Showing appreciation for volunteers’ dedication
is not just the right thing to do, it is essential to the success of the effort.
Many are entrusted with crucial information and asked to fill indispensable
roles. Those who are dissatisfied are less likely to do a thorough job.
An effective recruiting message motivates volunteers from the start. In fact,
experience across the world demostrates that, once volunteers understand
how a quick count works and why it is important, they express appreciation
at being given an opportunity to do something concrete to promote or
strengthen democracy in their countries. Their enthusiasm as they read and
sign impartiality pledges is palpable, and their motivation is inspiring.
During the run-up to elections, the volunteer coordination team should continuously
assess volunteer satisfaction, particularly in the busy regional and
municipal committees. The national coordinator should periodically contact
them, either by visiting or making phone calls. Any problems or misunderstandings
should be addressed and resolved before they become larger obstacles
to the quick count’s success. A side-benefit to these conversations is realized
when regional and municipal coordinators provide volunteers with substantive
information on pre-election activities or the political environment.
The following additional activities have helped motivate volunteers
in many countries:
• sending thank-you letters from the board of directors or other prominent
figures;
• providing t-shirts, hats or other clothing identifying the volunteer as a
member of the organization;
• giving gifts such as backpacks or bags to volunteers who take on
leadership roles;
• issuing certificates to volunteers at important milestones, such as for
meeting a recruiting target, successfully completing a simulation exercise
and at the end of the project;
• featuring volunteers at press events or in promotional videos;
• inviting regional volunteers to attend meetings with donors, electoral
officials or international election observer missions;
• organizing celebrations to mark a successful quick count operation
and meetings to debrief volunteers and discuss lessons learned.