How to Have Top-Notch Volunteer Recruitment
Recruiting volunteers for a non-profit agency can be both rewarding and challenging. Volunteers are the lifeblood of many non-profits, providing essential support and helping to achieve the organization’s mission!
This article will explore various strategies for encouraging people to volunteer, how to retain the volunteers, and how you can effectively market your non-profit to the community.
1. Encouraging People to Volunteer
a) Highlighting the Impact of Their Work
Make sure potential volunteers understand how their efforts will make a difference! If you can, and where appropriate, consider sharing stories of those who have benefited from your organization; it can be very powerful.
b) Offer Flexible Opportunities
People have busy lives, so offering a variety of volunteer opportunities—both in terms of time commitment and tasks—can attract more volunteers. Consider options like one-time events, remote volunteering, or short-term projects.
c) Provide Training and Support
Ensuring volunteers feel prepared and supported can make their experience more enjoyable and meaningful. Offer thorough training and have staff available to answer questions and provide guidance.
d) Recognize and Reward Volunteers
Showing appreciation for volunteers can go a long way! It can be as simple as thank-you notes, shout-outs on social media or in team meetings, or even at more formal recognition events.
e) Create a Sense of Community
Volunteers are more likely to return if they feel part of a community. Organize social events, create a volunteer newsletter, or set up a volunteer Facebook group to foster connections.
2. Retaining Volunteers
a) Provide Clear Expectations and Feedback
- Clear communication about roles and expectations helps volunteers understand their responsibilities and what is expected of them. Don’t forget, regular feedback and check-ins show that their contributions are valued and can also help them improve.
b) Offer Opportunities for Growth
- Allow volunteers to take on new challenges and responsibilities as they become more experienced. This can keep them engaged and help them develop new skills at the same time!
c) Ensure a Positive Environment
- A welcoming and positive atmosphere can make volunteers feel appreciated and motivated to return/continue. Be sure to address any conflicts promptly and make sure your volunteers feel heard.
d) Align Volunteer Roles with Interests and Skills
- Matching volunteers with tasks that suit their interests and skills can increase overall satisfaction and effectiveness. Conducting a skills assessment can help you determine this alignment.
e) Maintain Regular Communication
- Keep volunteers informed about the organization’s activities, successes, and needs. Regular communication through emails, newsletters, or meetings can help volunteers feel connected.
3. Advertising to the Community
Leverage Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for reaching potential volunteers! Share engaging content, success stories, and upcoming opportunities on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Partner with Local Businesses and Schools
When possible, collaborate with local businesses and educational institutions to reach a broader audience. They can help promote your opportunities to their employees, students, and networks.
Host Informational Events
Hosting events such as open houses or volunteer fairs can provide potential volunteers with a firsthand look at your organization and the impact they can make. It also provides the space for questions and some on-the-spot interview opportunities.
Use Community Bulletin Boards
Posting flyers on community bulletin boards in libraries, coffee shops, and community centers can attract local volunteers who are looking for ways to give back.
Create a Compelling Website
Your website should clearly outline volunteer opportunities, the benefits of volunteering, and easy steps for getting involved. If you can, including testimonials and impact stories can be very persuasive and encouraging for your website visitors.
Overall, recruiting and retaining volunteers is vital for non-profit agencies to thrive! Remember, volunteers want to feel valued and connected to your mission. Keep these strategies in mind, and you’ll be able to build a strong and committed volunteer base!
Additional resources to assist with your volunteer recruitment!
VolunteerMatch has a great wealth of resources, and this particular article offers 5 different ways to connect your volunteers to a meaning-making experience.
KES has a wide variety of Hiring Advice articles for you to access. Here’s a few related to interviewing, and onboarding, that you might find helpful:
Idealist has a detailed article on volunteer recruitment, and retention.
Jotform has a nice, detailed, 6-step video on improving your volunteer training programs.
