Owen, Adendorff & Associates recently had the privilege in being involved in the eThekwini Host City Volunteer programme for the 2010 World Cup. The P&I Projects department under the leadership of Ronel Mitchell received the mandate to run with the project  40 days before the kick off of the Greatest Show on Earth.

1. 1. The Task

It was initially envisaged that the P&I Team would have to select, train and deploy 900 volunteers from over 5000 applicants. These volunteers were to man the Airport, the Park and Rides, the Fan Fests, Fan Parks, Public Viewing Areas, the Beach Front, Florida Road amongst other areas in Durban. All had to be clothed and fed as well.

By the middle of June, the P&I Team found themselves responsible for the deployment, catering and co-ordination of 950 general Volunteers, 50 Child Minders, 50 Translators and 300 Stadium Volunteers: 1300 people in all. This was only possible through numerous sleepless nights and some incredible levels of focus, planning and motivation.

1. 2. O&A Strategic Involvement

Before the project commenced, Les Owen facilitated an intensive Visioning session for the senior team responsible for the successful co-ordination of the Host City Volunteer programme. Due to the time constraints on the team, the Visioning session had to be completed within a three-hour session, commencing at 7am and ending at 10am. This enabled the team to:

(i.)            Identify key success factors;

(ii.)            Define a vision and mission statement for the programme

(iii.)            Identify key values, principles and “catch phrases” to be used in guiding the Volunteers in discharging their duties; and

(iv.)            Identify priority actions, such as media liaison and managing volunteer expectations.

This was all achieved within the session.

1. 3. O&A Motivation

Using the material from the Visioning session, Winston Owen prepared two hard hitting addresses for the groups of volunteers. The first was an educational on key “people skills”. For this, Winston used the material of Anna Maravelas (www.TheraRising.com ).   The concepts and techniques of how to handle situations of conflict and offence have proved extremely helpful to the volunteers  in their interaction with visitors and one another.

The second address was motivational entitled, “Its Your Time to Shine.” This address was enjoyed by the groups of volunteers.  It ended in Winston leading them in a rendition of “This Little Light of Mine” at the conclusion of each session.

Such was Winston’s popularity amongst the volunteers and the P&I Projects staff that he was later asked to be an honorary volunteer at one of the matches. The pictures on the website of the Moses Mabida Stadium were taken by Winston.

1. 4. Moses Mabida Call Up

That the Host City Volunteers worked in and around the Moses Mabida Stadium was an indication of the excellence with which Ronel Mitchell and her team led the Volunteers.  Ronel was asked if she and her team could arrange for volunteers to assist in the stadium at that match, and in certain matches to follow.  With her exemplary “Can Do!” attitude, Ronel agreed.

P&I Projects team rounded up 300 “stadium” volunteers at very short notice, ready to serve their city.

1. 5. Conclusion

Volunteers, we salute you!

Ronel, Magash, Archel, Alison and Clinton, you have our greatest respect. Owen, Adendorff & Associates (Pty) Ltd is immensely proud to be associated with you.