Engaging Stakeholders and Recruiting Volunteers, Partners and Sponsors

Transcription

1 Engaging Stakeholders and Recruiting Volunteers, Partners and Sponsors

2 Overview Define your needs Find your partners Make the connection Make it sustainable

3 Define your needs What kind of volunteer effort is needed to make your project successful? Long term Looking for a committed partner(s) for a multi-phase, extended duration program Intermittent Occasional usage of volunteers needed to fill gaps or special events, not necessarily from key partners Immediate ( one off s) Unique situations that don t require specific skill sets, may require larger numbers, and can be sourced from many groups. Can be an annual or seasonal event.

4 Define your needs What kind of volunteer effort is needed to make your project successful? Three key factors for planning. Scale vs Effort How big or complicated is your project? How many people do you need? With that skills? Physical vs Fiscal Do you need heavy lifters or heavy gifters? Time vs Availability Do you need an army for a day, or a long term effort? Beware of conflicts within your volunteer pool. (ex. The Alma Mater factor)

5 Find your partners Where do I look for a source of volunteers? In 1992, 31% of companies reported using Employee Volunteer Programs to support core business functions. By 2008, more than 81% of companies now incorporate their volunteer programs into the company s overall business plan. * The Big Dogs Large corporations do the research, find what works for you Find a champion enthusiasm and excitement are contagious The Middle Ground Often ignored, this area is rich in resources. Small Players When they are in, they are ALL IN! * Presentation_ ppt

6 Find your partners Who aligns with my mission? National or regional sponsors of related organizations or causes that align with your own. Companies or groups with defined mission statements or initiatives that match your goals. Related non-profits or NGOs with established volunteer groups to pool together in a common project. Media - Social and mainstream, to communicate your message and attract potential volunteers and sponsors.

7 Make the connection- Tips to building partnerships Use the tools Tie in with existing partnerships / coalitions Research your options Internet, Chamber of Commerce, civic organizations. Social media and technology Constant Contact Facebook Volunteer match Smart volunteer Know the programs better than your volunteers Matching grants, annual programs, corporate focus. Look for the value add.

8 Make the connection- Tips to building partnerships Leverage your position in the community Competition in another world can bring benefit to yours. Capitalize on known partnerships to grow quick Recognize fiscal partners in ways that are rewarding to them. Getting their name or brand out Aligning them with volunteers that fit their customer/client base Media exposure

9 Make it sustainable- One and done is not as fun. The experience cannot be too big, or too small. It must feel significant enough to draw people out of the office, and not so significant that they re scared away. The Ideal Volunteer Experience......can be undertaken in a day...can be done together as a team...has intrinsic value...does not clash with other objectives...enhances the skills of their employees...coincides with the company s chosen cause...coincides with what their employees want to do ** ** Chris Jarvis

10 Build a following, not an event. Connect related events to build long term involvement Create a theme or themes that are easy to see and align with. Communicate and celebrate the involvement of volunteers and sponsors alike to fuel them to return again and again. Think big, even if you are small, don t undersell your mission, it may take many small successful events to accomplish the same results as a huge one time event.

11 Thank You! Enjoy your lunch and tour!