Volunteers are the backbone of any cause. Whether you have a need for on-going support or simply a temporary need, volunteers can save the day! Look to the article below for tips on defining your needs, gathering volunteers, and keeping them!

Defining your Needs:

1. You must first know and define your need. Make your needs clear and concise. Decide if you need a certain skillset or required knowledge of your volunteer before you start recruiting. Will your volunteers need to submit a basic application to volunteer?
2. Have a plan in place! You do not want to recruit and then quickly put a subpar plan into place. Take the time to make a volunteer plan that those helping your cause can easily assimilate to.
3. We suggest putting together a job description for your volunteers, just as if they were being hired for a position. This will give everyone clarity and parameters to work within as they start volunteering for you.
4. Are you able to offer any online volunteer opportunities? They can be very intriguing to those that cannot travel but have a heart to give back!

Now it is time to Recruit:

1. To start recruiting we suggest using a platform such as faithraiser. Platforms like this will help you keep track of your volunteer needs in one spot! Easily display your needs and communicate with those that are interested in helping.
2. Social Media is Once you set up a volunteer need on your faithraiser, you are easily able to share to your different social media platforms or on your own website!
3. Other places you can recruit are the local paper, radio show, or media station. Try schools, businesses, clubs, and community groups to find the right people for you.
4. Be sure to share your volunteers directly with your circle of friends. People are more likely to volunteer when they have connection with those that are asking for help or connection with those in need.
5. Another effortless way to recruit volunteers is through your current volunteers. If you already have a good working relationship with your current volunteers, chances are they will know great people that would also like to help.

Keeping and Maintaining Volunteers:

1. Now that you have recruited your volunteers you will want to work to keep them! We first suggest sending a welcome email explaining in detail what they will be doing for you. Include in this email any expectations you have, when they are needed, and how they report to you or your team.
2. The best way to keep good people is to give them great training. Based on the volunteer position, make sure your volunteers get adequate training. If your volunteers will be serving you long-term, make sure you are pouring into their skillsets.
3. Send out volunteer surveys. It is always a benefit to see why people love volunteering for you or if there are some areas that need improvement.
4. Every human being likes to be recognized! Be sure to stop and recognize their efforts. This can be through rewards, featuring them, and simple thank you’s.
5. Finally, we recommend keeping a simple volunteer database. You can use something as simple as an excel spreadsheet or purchase a database software program to keep track of your current and past volunteers. You can pull on this list when needs arise.

Continue to read our blog to learn how to best partner with your volunteers to see your causes needs met!