The Art of Supporting Volunteers

Rondle Dines

September 17, 2025

Supporting Volunteer Drivers Every Mile of the Way

At New Growth Transit,we often say our work is about more than a ride. That’s true for the people we serve, but it’s equally true for the people who make the rides possible—our volunteer drivers. Over the past five years, we’ve learned that the success of a volunteer-based rural transportation program doesn’t just come down to the number of miles driven or the number of riders served. It depends on how well we support and equip our volunteers to feel confident, cared for, and connected.

Starting Off Right: One-on-One Orientation

When a new volunteer driver signs up with New Growth Transit, we don’t hand them a manual and send them out the door. We sit down together for a one-on-one orientation. This is their chance to learn everything they need to know before ever giving their first ride, and more importantly, to feel comfortable asking questions.

During this meeting, we walk through:

· How the program works day-to-day: Volunteers learn the process from ride requests to reimbursements so they understand the big picture.

· Technology setup: We set up the driver’s email and tablet, ensuring they know how to log in, accept rides, and track mileage.

· Tracking miles and reimbursements: Every mile counts, and we make sure volunteers understand how mileage is logged and how reimbursements work.

· Connecting with riders: Volunteers hear what it’s like to meet riders,wait during appointments, and provide not just transportation but companionship.

· Setting healthy boundaries: We prepare drivers for moments when they may need to say “no” to requests outside the program, and give them language to do so politely and confidently.

This initial orientation is where the partnership begins—drivers aren’t just giving rides, they’re joining a supportive network, and we want them to feel prepared from the start.

Ongoing Support: Spring & Fall Check-Ins

Twice a year, in the spring and fall, New Growth Transit volunteer drivers receive additional support through required check-ins. These aren’t always large group meetings—sometimes we meet with drivers one-on-one in their own town, or gather a handful of drivers from the same community.

At each check-in, we:

· Perform a basic car safety inspection. Nothing drastic—it’s similar to the inspection you get once a year to renew your plates. Because of insurance requirements, we do it twice a year. The benefit? Drivers have added peace of mind knowing their car is safe for the miles ahead.

· Answer questions that may have come up while giving rides.

· Talk about experiences—what’s working well, what challenges have popped up, and how drivers are connecting with riders.

· Brainstorm solutions to make volunteering even more enjoyable.

Whether in a group or one-on-one setting, these check-ins give us the opportunity to stay connected, show appreciation, and make sure our volunteers feel supported.

What It Means to Manage Volunteers

Managing volunteers is different from managing staff. Volunteers aren’t here for a paycheck; they’re here because they care. That makes their motivation powerful—but it also makes it delicate.

Over the years, we’ve learned that volunteer driver management requires:

· Clear communication: Volunteers want to know what to expect, and that they can ask questions anytime.

· Tools that work: From the scheduling technology to the mileage reimbursement system, reliable tools let them focus on helping people.

· Recognition and appreciation: A “thank you” goes a long way. Volunteers want to know that their time matters.

· Flexibility: Because they are balancing family, work, or retirement life, volunteers appreciate being able to set their own schedules.

At New Growth Transit, our job is to provide these things consistently. When volunteers feel supported, they’re more likely to stay—and to enjoy the experience. And when they enjoy it, their riders benefit even more.

More Than Miles: The Impact of Volunteer Drivers

Every mile a volunteer drives is a connection. It’s a senior making it to a doctor’s appointment, a neighbor picking up groceries, or a person accessing critical services they couldn’t reach otherwise. Behind those rides is a driver who felt prepared, encouraged, and supported enough to say yes when they were needed.

That’s why New Growth Transit volunteer driver training and support is so important. When our drivers thrive, our communities thrive.

We Always Need More Volunteer Drivers

The need for rides in rural Missouri continues to grow, and so does our need for volunteer drivers. Every new driver means more neighbors can get to doctor’s appointments, pick up groceries, or simply stay connected to the community.

If you’ve ever thought about giving back in a flexible and meaningful way, becoming a volunteer driver is one of the most impactful choices you can make. You set your own schedule, receive mileage reimbursement, and know that every mile you drive is helping someone in need.

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Learn more about becoming a volunteer driver or give us a call - 417-283-7991

Or if you can't drive, but want to help, any donation is welcomed and will go a long way to helping connect our community!