Most nonprofits depend on the help of selfless, passionate, hard-working volunteers to fulfill the organization’s primary mission. Unfortunately, a common complaint continues to be how hard it is to recruit and retain a good team of volunteers. It’s time to overcome this obstacle and start positioning your not-for-profit as the place to be for willing and able do-gooders. These tips will help you secure the volunteer base you need to succeed.
1. Find Out What Makes Them Tick
Oftentimes, volunteers donate their time and talent to your organization because of their belief in your mission and their desire to help others. But volunteerism efforts serve other purposes too. Some cite meeting new people and developing skills as the primary reason for enlisting their services. Therefore, if their volunteer experience fails to meet these expectations, you run the risk of losing them. Instead of assigning bodies to time slots and positions, ask your volunteers what they are looking for from their experience and do your best to accommodate.
2. Be Clear About Your Expectations
Communication is paramount, particularly when it comes to how you engage with your team of volunteers. Each time a new volunteer comes onboard, you have an opportunity to educate them about your nonprofit, their role within the organization and your general expectations. They should also be aware of your policies and procedures, additional opportunities and your commitment to providing them with a fulfilling experience. Start by developing a formal training program and provide continuous feedback. Encourage them to share their experiences, opinions and suggestions with you as well, which will help you promote a culture of continuous improvement.
3. Consider A “Fewer Strings Attached” Approach
Sometimes it’s hard to get your volunteers to commit to regularly scheduled hours or working a major event. Instead, get creative when it comes to recruiting volunteers to fill time slots. For example, instead of asking someone to sign up to work 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Tuesday, you might have more luck asking volunteers to commit to volunteering 4 hours each week at a time that works for them on a week-by-week basis. You could also promote split shifts as an alternative to longer hours.
5. Be Appreciative Of Their Efforts
You know how nice it is to hear that your efforts are appreciated, especially when the gratitude comes from the very people you have made a commitment to serve. Your volunteers feel the same way when their work is appreciated. Never underestimate the effectiveness of simply saying “thank you” – and say it early and often. There are other ways to express your gratitude too. You could conduct an annual event to celebrate their service, invite them to some of your other events, recognize their efforts publicly and honor their work with awards or certificates.
Email Rea & Associates for more tips and insight to help you improve your nonprofit’s volunteer recruitment and retention strategy.
By Maribeth Wright, CPA (Retired)