Volunteer Recruitment

The most successful volunteer programs use multiple means to promote opportunities available for volunteers. Once you understand the motivations behind why people want to volunteer for your organization, you will be better able to determine the best recruitment techniques.

ASSESS YOUR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Think about the reasons why people volunteer, and answer the following questions:

• Why would someone volunteer for our organization?
• What types of rewards are they looking for?
• Do you offer opportunities that provide these types of rewarding experiences?

TYPES OF VOLUNTEERS

People volunteer for different reasons and at different times of their lives. The following are different types of volunteer commitment levels, some of which overlap:

• Episodic volunteers: Trends show that more people are willing to volunteer for short time periods. Examples of episodic volunteers are those that are only available during certain times of the year; students, snowbirds, etc.
• Designer volunteers: More people want volunteer experiences that will benefit them. They have defined type of experience and defined time they are available. Often, they are trying to gain experience or a new skills set that will help them in their career. Usually this s a short-time commitment as oppose to a longer-term one.
• Youth volunteers: Today, there are more volunteers between the ages of 15-24 years. A younger volunteer is looking for experiences that will connect them to others and help them in their career goals. They often want to explore their options and are reluctant to commit to one cause for a long period of time.
• Seniors: The senior population is increasing. Some people have taken early retirement and have highly developed skill levels. Seniors often have the ability to commit to single causes rather than move from organization to organization; however, the emerging senior does keep a busy schedule which needs to be accommodated.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• Catalogue potential projects. Create a wish list of tasks you want to accomplish. Identify the volunteer opportunities by title, descriptions, time commitment, and timeline. Promote and advertise as you would a job opportunity.
• Volunteer Intake System. Have a system of protocols in place to accept new volunteers easily into your system. These might include: volunteer registration forms, process for criminal record checks (if needed), orientation handbook, database set up, training guides for particular duties, expense vouchers, evaluation system, and recognition and rewards.

The most successful volunteer programs use multiple means to promote opportunities available for volunteers.

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT PROMOTION

Once an organization has determined its volunteer needs and has created position descriptions outlining the benefits and costs to potential volunteers, the next step is promotion. Options include:

• Targeted recruitment: Directly asking key individuals to become part of your organization. Develop a follow-up letter/email that can be sent to individuals after an initial face-to-face invitation.
• Media Promotion: Send out public service announcements through the local media identifying the opportunity to volunteer for your organization. Direct individuals to your web site or call you for more information.
• Print Advertisements: Place volunteer job advertisements, similar to paid job advertisements, in local papers or in your network newsletters. Provide follow up in formation on your web site.
• Networking with community organizations: When connecting with other organizations, keep your ears and eyes open for potential recruits. Have a flyer handy to provide them with more information about your organization and the volunteer opportunities.
• Invite Newcomers: Connect with people that are new to the community – recent immigrants may be looking for ways to get involved with their community.
• Brainstorm with current volunteers: Ask your current volunteers who in their networks might want to support your organization. Hold an open house and invite your volunteers to bring their friends
• Volunteer Fair: Some communities and schools hold volunteer opportunities nights where different non-profits set up display booths and are available to speak with individuals interested in volunteering. This is a popular way to reach youth.
• Recruit At your Major Events: Be prepared at your own events to have information about volunteer opportunities for other events/activities, or how people can get involved the following year.
• Online Volunteer Opportunities Boards: Check out the volunteer opportunities posting boards in your network. Many groups host these opportunities boards on their sites.
• Gather Testimonials: Ask your current volunteers to provide testimonials you can use in promotional materials for new volunteers.
• Host Volunteer Recognition Events: Use these events to solicit interest in other volunteers.
• Corporate Volunteer Programs: Find organizations that encourage their employees to volunteer for community projects. Work on partnerships that benefit both the corporation and your organization.
• Time Raisers, etc.: Try new ideas, such as TimeRaisers, where people bid time, rather than money, on the purchase of art and/or other items. Visit www.timeraisers.ca for more information.