Recruiting Great Volunteers
The first step in recruiting volunteers is to have a clear idea of what it is that you need. By coming up with a plan and writing up a “job description” for each volunteer position, it will guide you in your recruiting. For instance, if you are trying to put together a volunteer steering committee for a fundraising event, that will require different things from a volunteer than helping to paint a building or replace carpet. By putting thought into planning, you’ll be more specific with your recruiting and the potential volunteer will appreciate your attention to detail.
Individuals volunteer for various reasons. Some are looking to make social connections, some want to help the community, get job training, or often families are looking for a project they can work on together. Considering the motivation of volunteers will also guide you in finding the right fit.
Now, where do you go to find them? If your community has a United Way, this can be a great resource. United Way often keeps a centralized database of organizations and volunteer opportunities and can help match you with potential volunteers. Sending out a press release to your local newspaper and print publications can also help in generating interest. Be specific in your release as to what sort of volunteer you need. If your project is suitable for youth, contact schools, the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, or other youth organizations to see if they would be willing to help with your recruitment.
Another great source of volunteers is business and service groups. It is often easy to get on the program to speak at a meeting (if you’re flexible and willing to make the calls) as these groups are often eager to find speakers. A presentation about your organization and/or project and an appeal for volunteers can be a super way to attract volunteers. You may get some donors from the outreach as well.
Churches, high schools, colleges, senior centers – all of these are great places to look for volunteers. Often they will post your request on their website or in newsletters. This is why the more specific you are in what you are looking for, the more efficient your search and outreach will be.
Once you begin to get responses to all of your “fishing” for volunteers, be sure to respond quickly to each call. Explain your project, an idea of the time commitment and ask for a meeting. Nothing loses potential volunteers faster (and creates more bad press about your organization or project) than delayed or slow response to calls. You’ve put the word out about your volunteer needs and now, by not getting back to people, you are sending the message that you don’t really need them after all. If you do fill up your volunteer slots, still make the effort to return calls and let people know – it might create some buzz about how “popular” your project is!
The last steps in good volunteer recruitment are coordination and maintaining them – make sure you provide volunteers with enough guidance, encouragement and show an obvious appreciation of their time and effort. This is key to building a “culture” that promotes and encourages volunteerism. Volunteers want to feel their time and efforts are valuable and necessary to the success of the project or organization. And, who can blame them?!
Feel free to be creative about how and where you search for volunteers. Just remember to be prepared and put some planning into what you need, and how you will utilize the volunteer efforts. And, don’t forget to say “thank you” in as many ways as you can!
