Attracting And Retaining

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Volunteers are the vital for many organizations, if you’re looking to recruit volunteers for your organization, here are some tips that can help you attract and retain them.

Define your mission and values - Be clear about the goals and mission of your organization. Volunteers will be more likely to seek out your organization if they feel passionate about your cause and believe in what you stand for.

Offer engaging opportunities

Anyone who is looking to volunteer will want to feel like they’re making a difference. Give them opportunities to get involved in meaningful work that aligns with their skills and interests. Make sure the tasks you assign are well-defined and achievable, and offer guidance and support as needed.

Be flexible-It’s very important

Volunteers are often busy people who may have other commitments, such as work or family. Be flexible with your scheduling to accommodate their needs. Offer opportunities during weekends and evenings if possible or around a schedule they provide to you. Flexibility is key to attracting and retaining volunteers.

Provide recognition and appreciation

Volunteers want to feel valued and appreciated for their efforts. Show your gratitude by providing recognition and appreciation for their work. Acknowledge their contributions, it doesn’t take a lot to make someone feel appreciated, a kind word or even a small high-five will often suffice.

Build relationships

Volunteers are more likely to stick around if they feel a sense of community and belonging. Take the time to get to know your volunteers and build relationships with them. Always make them feel welcome and included, if you don’t follow this one you can be guaranteed they will disappear in the background or leave your organization, nobody likes to feel excluded.

Volunteering Weaves Us Together

1. Why do you volunteer?

I volunteer because it’s a nice way to get involved in the community and to meet new people.

2. What have you learned from volunteering?

When you volunteer you learn a lot. It’s hard work sometimes and you never know what the turn out may be but you stay optimistic and try to make it better for the next time. You have more appreciation for all the volunteers to who make our community events happen.

3. Why are volunteers important to the community?

Without volunteers our community would die. We need volunteers to keep it alive and bring new people into our town. It’s also a great way for our businesses to support one another to keep our town thriving.