Training Busy Staff

to Succeed with Volunteers:

The 55-Minute Training Series
Copyright 2007
Betty Stallings

Energize, Inc.

Volunteer
Recruitment
2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-1
Definition:
Volunteer Recruitment
A process to attract and invite
people to consider volunteer
involvement within your agency,
faith community, or organization.
2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-2
Learning Objectives
Understand what recruitment is and the
impact of doing it well.

List objections and barriers to
volunteeringand some strategies to
overcome them.

Design an effective recruitment message.

Describe characteristics of effective recruiters.
2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-3
4 Key Concepts
1. Until you identify and address peoples
possible resistance to volunteering, you will
not reach your potential in volunteer
recruitment.

2. For volunteer recruitment to be successful,
the needs of the organization and the needs
of the volunteer must be met simultaneously.

3. The recruitment invitation must, minimally,
include 3 elements.

4. Effective, trained people should recruit
volunteers.
2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-4
Key Concept 1
Until you identify and address people's
possible resistance to volunteering within
your organization, you will not reach your
potential in volunteer recruitment.
2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-5
Activity
Identify any organizational or personal
barriers that may keep prospective
volunteers from responding positively
to opportunities to work in our
organization.
2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-6
Barriers Responses


People's limited time

Develop more short term,
episodic positions
Costs related to volunteering

Offer to cover expenses
Distant location of organization

Develop positions for
people to do at their home or
office
Need flexibility; regular
commitment difficult

Design a back-up substitute
system for volunteers

Type of client that organization
serves
Brainstorm types of people who
care about your clients and
design targeted recruitment to
reach them
2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-7
Key Concept 2
For volunteer recruitment to be successful,
the needs of the organization and the needs
of the volunteer must be met simultaneously.
2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-8


2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-9
Recruitment Techniques to
Avoid
Bait and switch

Theres nothing to it.

Were desperate; anyone will do.

Cast your net and see who swims in.

Youre a CPA. We could use one of you!

We have lots of needs...HELP!

Im tired of doing it. Anyone else want to?
2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-10
Key Concept 3
The recruitment invitation must, minimally,
include 3 elements:
The statement of need. (The need of clients, not
of the agency!)
How the volunteer can help.
Benefits of the position to the volunteer.

2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-11
Invitation Example 1
Statement of client need
They have gloves, bats and softballs, but no coach.
Seventy-five mentally-challenged boys and girls are waiting
for a coach.

How to help
Dont let them strike out. Join our Special Olympics Team!
Call 1-800-Gold today!

Benefits
Youll never feel more appreciated (and youll get some
exercise, too!).



2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-12
Invitation Example 2
Statement of client need
Many Seniors in our community are not eating balanced meals
and are suffering from malnutrition.

How to help
You can give three hours to chop, slice, spread, boil, wrap, and
pack food with our chef and other great folks.

Benefits
Knowing youve made a difference, enjoying your team, and
learning how to cook in large quantities!


2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-13
Sample Recruitment Message

Every 15 seconds a woman is beaten in this
country. Every 15 seconds her partner shares in
her loss of self-esteem. Their children are learning
how to behave in relationships. You can help stop
this cycle of violence and learn valuable
communication skills by serving as a volunteer with
the Battered Womens Alternatives Hotline. In the
next 15 seconds, you can make a difference!
2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-14
Family Recruitment Message

Many elderly in our community live lonely
stretches without a warm smile or embrace.
Your family could volunteer to adopt one of
these senior residents. The members of your
family will experience some rare quality time
together while giving someones grandma or
grandpa a real lift.
2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-15
Key Concept 4
It is important to have effective, trained
people recruiting new volunteers.
2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-16
Best Volunteer Recruiters
Volunteers who are:
Satisfied
Enthusiastic
Enthusiasm ends with IASM: I Am Sold Myself!
Articulate
Connected with the person or group being
recruited
2007, Betty Stallings - Energize, Inc.
S-17
Summary
Remember that volunteer recruitment is a
process to attract and invite people to
consider volunteer involvement within your
organization.

Address possible barriers.

There must be mutual benefits.

Design an effective message.

Select and train people to recruit.