Getting the right people to join your organization is always a challenge, especially when it comes to recruiting and retaining volunteers. With so many other organizations looking for volunteers, it can be hard to find the right individuals who can help make a difference and who are genuinely interested in your cause. Continue reading to discover some methods for attracting volunteers to your nonprofit or fundraising initiative.
Utilize Social Media
One of the most effective ways to reach out to your community is through social media. Aside from regularly posting updates about your organization’s achievements, you can also make sure to remind your followers about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. You can also create a personalized video featuring your organization’s CEO to show appreciation for existing volunteers for their service or make a video interviewing current volunteers. This can be done by recording a video of them talking about what it’s like to be involved with your organization.
Encourage Micro-Volunteering
Short-term volunteering and micro-volunteering are becoming more popular. This type of volunteer work allows busy individuals to complete simple tasks on their own schedule. It can be very beneficial for organizations as it will enable them to recruit new volunteers.
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Virtual Volunteers
If you’re struggling to find volunteers due to geographical barriers, consider virtual volunteering. This type of volunteer work can be very beneficial for organizations as it allows them to recruit new volunteers for projects such as graphic design, marketing, and virtual fundraising efforts. It can also help ease the pressure off their team.
Host an Open House for Volunteers
Hosting an open house can provide prospective volunteers with the necessary information needed prior to committing to helping your organization. During the open house, you can provide a variety of information about the organization and its mission. In addition to the roles that you’re looking for, you can also talk about the various skills and certificates that are needed to be successful in your volunteer work. If you’re planning on hosting the event on-site, you can provide a tour of the facility to allow potential volunteers to see what the organization is doing.
Use Your Existing Network
If you have a spreadsheet filled with past volunteers and donors, you may have an opportunity to contact them and ask them if they would like to get involved again. You can also share updates about upcoming events and volunteer roles to see if they’re still interested in helping.