“An Invitation to Service”

Changing the Face of the VAVS

 VAVS RECRUITMENT STRATEGY
RECRUITING TACTICS

• While progress has been made in 20+ NAC

organizations, total volunteers and hours
continue are still down

• NAC VAVS recruitment strategy and tactics

papers updated for 2009

• At all levels, VACO/VAMC/NAC organizations:

“Recruitment is a full time, year round
responsibility”
 VAVS RECRUITMENT STRATEGY
RECRUITING TACTICS
Preparation for Effective Recruiting
• Every VAVS “recruiter” must have thorough knowledge of VAVS
history, organization & culture, nationally and locally
• Streamline VAVS policies, application procedures, and training
processes. Move to on-line completion.
• At all levels review, programs, activities, incentives, and recruiting
strategies. What’s working; What’s not??
• At each VAMC, form 6-10 person recruiting committee with
experienced, innovative volunteers from local NAC organizations
• Understand Benefits & Cost of volunteering
• Update and/or develop new brochures, recruitment materials,
advertising---Make available ON-LINE!
 VAVS RECRUITMENT STRATEGY
RECRUITING TACTICS
WHERE TO FIND THE VOLUNTEERS
• At NAC level, identify potential new organizations: Invite to join the NAC
-Appropriate service, fraternal, civic, business organizations
-Emerging Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) unique to recent
operations: Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America, Veterans for
Freedom, Student Veterans of America
-At VAMC level, identify & approach local organizations to recruit Regularly
Scheduled (RS) Occasional (Occ) volunteers, e.g.
Business & Professional Corporate Retiree Groups
Volunteer Recruitment Websites Colleges (Fraternities/Sororities)
Unions/Trade Groups Recognized Youth Groups
Military Bases/Units Unions/Trade Groups
AARP/NARFE Sports/Social Clubs
Home/Auto/Gun Shows
 VAVS RECRUITMENT STRATEGY
RECRUITING TACTICS

Recruitment Tactics
• Goals: At each VAMC, increase total number of
volunteers and hours10%-20%; lower average/median
age to 55-60
• VAVS Invitational Recruiting Strategy
-Generational Recruiting Age Demographics
-One on One, Face to Face Recruiting
--Invite National Commanders, Leaders to Sign Up, Set
Example
-Targeted Recruiting
-Family Volunteering
-Youth/Teen volunteering
-OEF/OIF Veterans Volunteering
- Recently Retired Individuals
 VAVS RECRUITMENT STRATEGY
RECRUITING TACTICS
• VAVS Invitational Recruiting Strategy (continued)
-Broad-Based Recruiting
-Maintain high media profile
-Distribute high quality materials
-Network with businesses, community groups, leaders
-Managing Volunteer Recruiting
-Tailor to structure, network within NAC member organizations
-Enter into collaborations and partnerships
--With other NAC organizations, veterans groups
--Share marketing, public relations materials, techniques
--With colleges, universities
--With other organizations with similar goals/interests
 VAVS RECRUITMENT STRATEGY
RECUITING TACTICS
• VAVS Invitational Recruiting Strategy (continued)
-Volunteer Retention
-Meaningful work with positive feedback
-Allow for personal growth, flexibility in assignments
-Create Adaptive Sports Assignments tailored to OIF/OEF and
younger, athletic volunteers
-Show respect for volunteers
-Eliminate barriers to use of volunteers
-Establish incentive programs for volunteers that reward hours
worked, volunteers recruited
-RECOGNITION of volunteers efforts a key to personal satisfaction
and retention
 COMMITMENT

• Manage your organization’s representatives at VAMCs

• To Recruitment and Retention of Volunteers: You and your

Representatives/Deputy Representatives are “The Frontline Recruiters”

• Ensure your representatives attend all quarterly meetings: CRITICAL

• Provide up to date training briefings to all your Representatives with

strong emphasis on recruitment

• Provide meaningful recognition, feedback to your Representatives—

review the AJRs and look at volunteer and hours for growth

Be sincere, innovative and Flexible----Have passion; it’s

contagious