COMMUNITY ORGANIZING FOR ACTION ATTRACTING AND MOTIVATING VOLUNTEERS

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Presenter: Jeff Franco, Vice President and Executive Director of City Year Washington, DC [Video]

   In this lesson, we will discuss how to motivate volunteers to join. We will explore how to create a fulfilling and positive volunteer experience; then how to collect feedback so you can make improvements and see what you’re doing well; and finally, how to keep the volunteers engaged after they have been in your team. 

 Why do we need volunteers?

  Volunteers help us make an even bigger impact. Many of  institutions simply would not be able to survive without the support that volunteers provide.

    In order to attract people who are willing to invest their time, we have to first learn what inspires them to serve with us. What are they hoping to accomplish? Once we know their expectations, we must live up to them or risk losing our volunteers. 

 How to attract volunteers?

    Jeff Franco, believes it is in our DNA to want to help others. He further said that, Some people come forward right away, ready to give. For others, it takes a bit more coaxing. It is important to create a volunteer experience that is meaningful. Therefore, demonstrating the impact a volunteer can make is the first step in attracting quality people. Work hard to create a positive environment so that people want to join the team! Once we know what kind of participation we would be able to provide, we should begin seeking out volunteers. 

   What avenues of communication does your institution have at its disposal? Can you use social media, and seek out volunteers on Twitter or Facebook? We can send out a monthly newsletter in which we can advertise for volunteers. Or we can create fliers and hang them on community boards in our  neighborhood. Reach out for people who have volunteered with our team in the past. We should make sure our advertising conveys accurately the volunteer experience, and that it highlights the aspects we know will be attractive to people.   

How to keep volunteers motivated?

Photo captured during Young life training for volunteers.

   It is important to make sure our volunteers’ time is well spent while they are working in our team. Remember that they may not be as experienced as our full- or part-time staff members. For that reason, we should make sure to be available to answer their questions, provide support, extra training, and encouragement. Take time to teach them about the impact our team is making, so they feel a connection to the work they are doing. Providing a positive experience for our volunteers and keeping them engaged during their service is key to making sure they come back and work with us again in the future.   

How to keep your volunteers engaged?

   After the volunteers’ time is over, we should talk with them about what they liked, and what they did not like. We should collect their feedback by giving them a survey. We should work hard to learn from the negative comments so that in the future, the volunteer experience can continue to improve.  Once a person has volunteered with our team, we should work hard to keep them engaged. Keep them on our mailing list.  Invite them to volunteer in the future. Encourage them to invite their friends to the next events.   Volunteers are an invaluable resource. Working hard to attract volunteers, and motivating them to want to serve with our team, can help it grow and have a greater impact.  

YALINetwork,

Produced by the U.S. Department of State

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