“Building in systems that allow you to assess performance is really a best practice around volunteer management,” she said. Three-Stage ModelBased on findings from the study participants, the researchers proposed a three-stage model for helping volunteers make this transition. Volunteers work to hold on to their identity as a volunteer even when they can no longer perform their duties. Russell said helping older volunteers navigate these steps often falls to volunteer administrators and other staff, who may not be specifically trained in negotiating these transitions. Establishing formal practices and policies that recognize volunteers’ valuable service also can ease the path to retirement, she said.