7 Steps to Start Recruiting Volunteers for a Nonprofit

Summary

In this video, nonprofit founder Amber Melanie Smith shares seven essential steps for effectively recruiting and managing volunteers. The process begins with aligning volunteer tasks to your nonprofit’s mission, followed by setting up the right technology and assigning supervisors. Clear communication and detailed role descriptions are key, along with promoting opportunities across various platforms. Smith emphasizes the importance of engaging volunteers through timely communication and celebrating their impact, helping to build long-term relationships. This guide is ideal for nonprofits looking to expand their volunteer base and enhance community involvement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start with the end in mind: Ensure that volunteer roles align with your nonprofit's long-term mission and strategy to maximize impact.
• 😀 Set up the right technology: Choose volunteer management software that suits your organization's needs, whether it's for one-time events or ongoing shifts.
• 😀 Assign a dedicated supervisor: Ensure a team member is responsible for managing volunteers, providing clear instructions and supervision to ensure success.
• 😀 Write clear volunteer descriptions: Be specific about the tasks, location, schedule, and why the task is important to your mission to attract the right people.
• 😀 Promote your opportunities widely: Share volunteer opportunities through websites, local civic groups, universities, and other relevant platforms to reach the right audience.
• 😀 Communicate effectively with volunteers: Follow up with volunteers at three key stages: immediately after sign-up, a couple of weeks before the event, and a final reminder before the shift.
• 😀 Highlight volunteer impact: Regularly update volunteers on how their efforts are making a difference and share the collective impact to keep them motivated.
• 😀 Create a sense of community: Provide opportunities for volunteers to connect with each other, as it enhances retention and fosters a supportive environment.
• 😀 Target the right volunteer demographics: Understand the needs and schedules of your volunteers to match them to appropriate tasks, like targeting college students for flexible shifts.
• 😀 Use urgency in volunteer outreach: Craft compelling email subject lines and messages that convey urgency when there's an immediate need for volunteers.
• 😀 Recognize and appreciate volunteers: Showcase outstanding volunteers on social media or at events to show that their time and contributions are valued.

Q & A

Why is it important to start recruiting volunteers with the end in mind?

Starting with the end in mind ensures that volunteer roles align with the nonprofit's long-term goals. This helps maximize the impact of the volunteers' time and ensures their tasks contribute to the overall mission, such as rescuing animals or providing specific services.

What should nonprofits consider when setting up the technology for volunteer management?

Nonprofits should consider the specific needs of the volunteers, such as whether background checks are necessary, if shifts are one-time or recurring, and if the work can be done remotely. Choosing the right software solution that matches these needs is crucial to efficient volunteer management.

Why is it essential to assign a supervisor for volunteers before recruiting them?

Assigning a supervisor ensures that there is someone with the necessary knowledge and capacity to guide, support, and manage volunteers effectively. This helps volunteers feel more confident and engaged, ensuring that tasks are completed correctly and efficiently.

What are key components to include in a volunteer opportunity description?

A clear volunteer description should cover logistics such as the date, location, and time commitment, as well as the specifics of the tasks volunteers will perform. Connecting the task to the nonprofit's mission also helps potential volunteers understand the purpose of their contribution.

How can nonprofits effectively promote their volunteer opportunities?

Nonprofits can promote volunteer needs by posting on volunteer matching websites, sharing with local civic groups, chambers of commerce, and universities, and targeting specific demographics based on the volunteer opportunity's requirements, such as time flexibility or long-term commitment.

What is the 'three email' communication rule and why is it important?

The three email rule involves sending an initial email immediately after someone signs up, a second email a couple of weeks before the volunteer activity, and a final reminder a few days before the event. This consistent communication helps keep volunteers engaged, reduces cancellations, and ensures they are well-prepared.

What should the first communication with a volunteer include after they sign up?

The first communication should acknowledge the volunteer's sign-up and express gratitude. It's important to send this email promptly—within 1-2 days—so volunteers feel recognized and valued, helping prevent confusion or a lack of commitment.

How does communicating with volunteers help improve retention?

Clear, consistent communication helps keep volunteers informed and engaged, reducing the likelihood of cancellations. It also shows respect for their time and commitment, enhancing their overall experience and likelihood of returning for future opportunities.

Why is it vital for nonprofits to highlight the impact of their volunteers?

Highlighting the impact of volunteers makes them feel valued and appreciated. When volunteers understand the difference they are making, they are more likely to stay committed and continue volunteering, which is essential for long-term engagement and retention.

How can nonprofits celebrate outstanding volunteers and motivate others?

Nonprofits can celebrate outstanding volunteers by recognizing them on social media, websites, or during special events. This not only acknowledges their efforts but also inspires others to contribute, fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation within the volunteer community.