Any charity or service project manager knows that the success of an event depends on the help and dedication of volunteers.It is wise to seek additional hands to avoid asking the same people multiple times, because there are many altruistic individuals willing to lend their time and talents to the benefit of the less fortunate.There are ways to successfully recruit volunteers.
Step 1: Write a volunteer policy.
Most organizations prefer to have a document written up, even though a small organization might be able to function without one.It should be short and simple for staff and volunteers to refer to.It's not the first document potential volunteers will see, but it will help you narrow in on your goals and strategy for using volunteers.A job description for each volunteer position Who oversees recruitment, training and leadership for volunteers Application forms, interviewing process, and criminal background check for potential volunteers, if necessaryHow much can be spent on transportation for volunteers?
Step 2: Mention the benefits of volunteering.
The value of the volunteers' service is stressed in all your recruitment materials.Tell us about the positive impact a volunteer can have.Valuable training or work experience can be used on a volunteer's resume or college application.If there is a chance of a volunteer becoming a paid staff member, include that in the recruitment material.
Step 3: The work should be described clearly.
It's possible to name the most specific role.A term such as "volunteer food server" is more likely to attract results than a term like "shelter volunteer."Explain the skills you're looking for if the role is unusual.
Step 4: There are concerns about qualifications and time commitment.
No one will assume he is unqualified if required experience is clear on your recruitment materials.It is important that potential recruits know that training will be provided, or that there is work to be done that does not require specialized skills.Let people know that there is a minimum amount of time commitment required.
Step 5: You can change your message for different people.
If the volunteer service involves interactions with community members, appeal to a diverse swathe of people.There are additional cultural barriers that may prevent certain demographic from responding.These can be included in all your mass recruitment messages, or you can create multiple versions for different audiences.Give senior citizens the chance to use advanced or specialized skills, and give them reading materials with large, easily read text.In areas with a high non-English-speaking population, translate your message.Make it clear that the form is used to match your skills to the right opportunity, not to exclude certain groups, if a selection process is involved.
Step 6: Approach them one by one.
Face-to-face, one-on-one recruitment has the highest success rate.It's not practical as the only recruitment strategy due to the high time commitment per volunteer, but it is a great strategy to use on friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers.
Step 7: The internet is useful.
There are sites where you can post recruitment messages.If your organization has a social media presence, it is a good idea to post inspiring or funny images and stories about your work.
Step 8: Reach out to local businesses.
Many companies encourage their employees to volunteer individually and in groups.After a one-time event, the employees may become long-term volunteers.
Step 9: The word should be spread through newspapers, radio and television.
A short advertising slot on a local radio or television station is an affordable way to spread the message.In the local newspapers, offering to write an article about your organization's work or recent success story can be more effective than paying for advertisement space.
Step 10: Posters and flyers should be created.
Along with your contact information, include positive stories and photographs of your organization's work.Since some bulletin boards do not allow larger materials, make these the size of a standard sheet of paper.Permission is given for these to be displayed in community centers and businesses.A copy shop may give you a discount or volunteer their services for a good cause.Posters may work best if your organization is well known.If you still need new volunteers weeks from now, they're useful because they circulate for a longer time than most advertisements.
Step 11: There are local events that you should attend.
Ask for permission to set up a table at an event.Provide printed materials for people to take with them, and keep the table staffed with one or two people who are qualified to answer questions.
Step 12: There are local organizations that you can look at.
Community centers, religious organizations, schools, and youth organizations are great places to spread the word about volunteering.You can ask the leaders in these communities to make an announcement on your behalf or arrange a time when you can make a presentation.Many schools now require community service in order to graduate.Provide printed materials for announcements.
Step 13: Within 24 hours you can reply to applicants.
If a potential volunteer uses a different method to contact you, respond within 24 hours.The longer you take to get back to someone, the less likely they are to be interested.
Step 14: Evaluate potential volunteers.
A "warm body" or "butt in a chair" won't solve your problems.People who are committed to helping should be used.While not all volunteer positions require a screening process, consider treating it more like a job application when recruiting for the following roles.If they will be interacting with vulnerable populations, criminal background checks are recommended.Volunteers who will be handling money should have a criminal background check done.
Step 15: A meeting with free food.
People interested in volunteering can meet the team at an orientation gathering.One way to make a good first impression is to give your applicants a free meal.
Step 16: You should consider a contract.
If you are looking for long-term volunteers, you may want to have them sign a contract before they start.To make it clear that it is the volunteer's responsibility to find a replacement if they leave, the goal is not to punish them.If a volunteer is unsure about their commitment, they can show up to one or two sessions before making a decision.
Step 17: Volunteers can be given flexibility with time and skills.
Allow volunteers to set their own hours.If you discover that a volunteer has a skill that your organization could use, give him the chance to use it.A volunteer can help update your organization's website or play music at a social gathering.
Step 18: Volunteers can spread the word.
Your first group of volunteers can be used as a recruiting tool.Ask your current and former volunteers to spread the word to their friends and community members with similar interests when the next volunteer project comes up.To build commitment and positive associations with your organization, thank each volunteer individually.