How many of you value volunteers and volunteer recruitment as highly as donor stewardship? Some organizations I’ve worked for have their volunteer programs held within the development office other have them elsewhere.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the nonprofit; they serve on your board, often serve your clients, keep your front desk staffed, fold your letters, and provide you with community connections. And, every organization I’ve ever worked for has periodic problems with their volunteers, problems finding the right ones and getting them to help with the right projects.
One trick you can use is the very same thing you do with your major donors. If you are looking for a volunteer to help you with a key task at an organization (or are trying to recruit a particular person) why not set it up similar to a solicitation. Set a time to sit one-on-one and talk with the potential volunteer. Ask them about why the organization is valuable to them, or if they are new tell a quick story about your organization. Then make a case as to why you need them or need their help. Then ask them.
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I think you make a great point here. Of course, in any organization, donations are essential, but how much are those donations worth if you don’t have anyone to put those resources into play? For instance, the first organization I’ve spotlighted on the “get involved” charity blog I’m creating (Camp Kesem) provides a key example – organization chapters on college campuses fundraise throughout the entire academic year in order to operate a summer camp for children affected by cancer. The camp heavily depends on monetary generosity to be successful, but what if they didn’t have anyone who wanted to be a counselor at the camp? An advisor there? Etc. They’d be unable to execute the final and most important phase of their work. I think your suggestion of courting volunteers as you would donors is excellent — they play a similarly crucial part in any successful hands-on organization, so why shouldn’t they get just as much attention as an important donor?
I agree that volunteers are the lifeblood of an organization. Most of the charities I’ve volunteered for recognize that fact. However, a few don’t. I actually had one that I worked with for years who did not send me their newsletter because I didn’t make donations in the form of money, never mind that I worked at their shelter 2-3 times a weeks for several years spending money on gas to get there and I spent money at home on food and toys for the cats I fostered there. Someone could donate $5 a year and get the newsletter, but I worked 300+ hours a year and did not. Even though I didn’t do it for recognition, that rankled. The newsletter is a way for the charities to let their volunteers know what they are doing!