You have your idea or causes, now you need people to help put it into action but you haven’t a clue of where to find them or how to approach them to volunteer.
Volunteering is about giving your time, connecting with a cause and making a tangible impact. Yet, finding and managing volunteers effectively can be a daunting task.
Whether you’re leading a non-profit organisation, a member of a community group, or you are looking after a corporate volunteer programme, outlined below are areas to explore and tips to help you in your volunteer recruitment and management process.
What do you need?
Begin by identifying the tasks and roles you need volunteers for. Clearly outline the skills, time commitments, and expectations for each role. This will help potential volunteers understand if they can:
- Make the commitment
- If they can jiggle their schedule to make it work
- If they have the desired skills
- If the duties of the role align with their interests
- If they can contribute to helping the organisation meet their goals?
Remember, it may not suit them but there is a chance they may know someone who it will suit.
Network, Network, Network
Start your search for volunteers by using your existing networks. Reach out to friends, family, colleagues, and current volunteers to spread the word about new opportunities. Encourage them to share your volunteer openings on social media platforms, community bulletin boards and online forums.
Engage with the Local Communities
Connect with local community groups, clubs, schools, churches, and businesses to reach a wider audience.
Attend event which allow Pop-up information stands or sessions to help to attract individuals who are passionate about giving back to their community.
***Our Volunteer Speed Matching event is an idea way to meet potential volunteers in person ***
Connect Online
Take advantage of online volunteer recruitment platforms and websites like our Countywide network GoVolHerts and register with your local Volunteer Centre Welwyn Hatfield who will actively meet with potential volunteers on your behalf. These platforms allow you to list volunteering opportunities, will publicised them though their channels and connect you with individuals who are seeking ways to get involved.
Be flexible where possible
Recognise that volunteers have diverse schedules and interests. Provide flexibility in terms of time commitments and offer a variety of roles to accommodate different skill sets and preferences. This ensures that volunteers feel valued and engaged.
Provide Training and Support
Invest in training programs to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. Offer ongoing support, feedback and recognition, to thank, encourage and motivative them.
Positive Vibes at Work
Create a welcoming and inclusive environment where volunteers feel appreciated and respected. Announce new members to the team and add a fun fact about them to provide a conversation starter. Once they feel more grounded, remember to invite volunteers in meetings, collaborate with them on events and provide a safe space for them to express ideas. Communication fuels teamwork and a happy working environment fuels productivity.
Seek Feedback and Reviews
Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from volunteers to understand their experiences and see if there are areas where the organisation can make improvements. Ask them to be completely truthful, then use this feedback to make any adjustments and refine your volunteer management strategy. Testimonials can also serve as powerful marketing, to show the community what you are doing and why; they can also aid in attracting new recruits (seek permission and omit identifying data).
Celebrate Achievements and Milestones
Acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of volunteers by highlighting their achievements and milestones. Host recognition events, share success stories on social media, and express gratitude through personalised thank-you notes or certificates.
Visualise Impact Through Imagery
It’s not always possible to take a photo of your volunteers at work but there are always ways around it to showcase the impact of volunteering and inspire others to get involved.
Visual storytelling can evoke emotions; share photos, videos and even audio of volunteers in action, as well as testimonials from beneficiaries.
Let us know how you get with recruiting volunteers; our members are invited to book a 1-2-1 session. To find out about becoming a member, contact our Volunteer Centre E: volunteer centre@whcvs.org.uk | T: 01707 274861