Strategies for Success with Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers. Photo by Stella Miller

Transcription

1 Strategies for Success with Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers Photo by Stella Miller 1

2 Rebecca Richter Program Associate Audubon Chapter Services Photo by Pat Little 2

3 John Loz President Audubon Society of the Capital Region (NY) 3

4 Objectives: Why do people volunteer? Laying the groundwork for a solid volunteer program Finding volunteers Getting volunteers to come back Success stories! Photo by Valerie Thomas 4

5 Why do people volunteer? They were asked Want to make a difference Feel needed and appreciated It s fun! Participate with friends/family Meet/network with like-minded people Learn something Fulfill requirement Build resume 5

6 Why don t people volunteer? Weren t asked Aren t bird experts or even birders Don t have enough time Don t know how to get involved Can t get to the volunteer site Their skills/time did not seem needed or appreciated They lack interest/enthusiasm for the cause They don t know about your organization They have a poor image of your organization 6

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8 Do we LOVE and BELIEVE in what we do? Organizational vision shared by all leaders Crystal clear and compelling cause that will INSPIRE others Promoted with passion and confidence Each leader is a positive ambassador for the organization 8

9 Research Learn the latest volunteering trends, recruiting techniques and tools Interview leaders of organizations with successful volunteer programs Obtain outside opinions/first impressions of your organization from a variety of audiences 9

10 Be open-minded Listen more than you talk Don t take things personally Respectfully consider inside and outside opinions and ideas Be open to seeing things from different perspectives 10

11 Evaluate & Redesign Conservation projects Educational programming Communications Marketing Outreach Volunteer program Photo by Mary Anne Romito 11

12 Remove BARRIERS Identify Clarify Address EXAMPLE 1 Barrier: I don t have enough time. Clarify: Not clear on much time is required for the role/task Address: Rewrite description, e.g., 1 hour a week throughout the summer; on your own schedule 12

13 Remove BARRIERS EXAMPLE 2 Barrier: I don t have enough time. Clarify: The opportunities are always on Saturday mornings, and that s not the best time for the target audience (e.g., millennials). Address: Offer a variety of opportunities at different times and days; and/or offer the incentive of free light breakfast/coffee/snacks 13

14 Organization Needs & Volunteer Job Descriptions Category of need (communications, marketing, education, conservation, leadership, etc.) Description Frequency/time commitment Types of volunteers needed (i.e., skills) 14

15 Where can you find volunteers? Photo by Paul L. Noeldner 15

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21 Laid the groundwork Found volunteers Volunteers showed up!!! Get them to come back 21

22 Remember: Why do people volunteer? They were asked Want to make a difference Feel needed and appreciated It s fun! Participate with friends/family Meet/network with like-minded people Learn something Fulfill requirement Build resume Courtesy of Stella Miller 22

23 Thanking When they sign up to volunteer When you remind them about their commitment When they show up While they are volunteering (a couple of times) When they are leaving After the activity 23

24 Make Them Feel Part of the Team Offer group training opportunities Name badges and logo apparel Special place for them at Center 24

25 Stay Connected Obtain their full contact information (or at least /phone) make sure you can read it! Have them indicate how best to contact (phone, text, ) Let them know about upcoming events (and have them sign up before they leave!) including nonvolunteer events 25

26 Recognize Various levels of achievement (can be award, gift, and/or name recognition) National or Regional Awards Meritorious Service Presidential Great Egret Callison Publicizing 26

27 Build the Relationship It s not all work and no play! Get to know them as people Network with one another Opportunity to recognize service 27

28 Contact info: Rebecca Richter John Loz 28