The London Environmental Network Volunteer Recruitment Workshop Hello, My name is I am on the Steering Committee for the London Environmental Network. I want to thank _________________________________ for inviting/allowing me here to day to share with you what the network is all about

What is the London Environmental Network? We work to build strong, resilient organizations We act as a doorway into the environmental non-profit sector We have 44 member organizations [click first point] We represent 44 different groups around the city, all of whom are focused in some way on environmental activities. Groups in the network really range in their subject areas – conservation to clean energy, composting to tree planting We have groups that are simply trying to promote a deeper connection with nature to those who are pushing for legislation changes Have registered charities, incorporated non-profits, grassroots community groups and co-ops. Also have groups with 2-3 members to groups with hundreds of members Working hard to serve all groups needs

What will we cover in this workshop? The Right Volunteer for the Right Role Volunteer Job Descriptions How to promote the role and get volunteers to signup How to create recruitment presentations and orientations [click first point] We represent 37 different groups around the city, all of whom are focused in some way on environmental activities. Groups in the network really range in their subject areas – conservation to clean energy, composting to tree planting We have groups that are simply trying to promote a deeper connection with nature to those who are pushing for legislation changes Have registered charities, incorporated non-profits, grassroots community groups and co-ops. Also have groups with 2-3 members to groups with hundreds of members Working hard to serve all groups needs

Choosing the Right Volunteer Ongoing Volunteer Pop up Volunteer Needs quality training Signs up for multiple shifts or a regular time slot Treat like a staff member High level tasks Ex. Office volunteers, assistants at events Signs up for a one time event Requires a little bit of training – could be at the beginning of the event Good for large events that don’t require a lot of skill Could potentially be ongoing Ex. Tree planting, river cleanup, event support Trying to find volunteers is like fishing. Do you want a huge net of tiny fish, or do you want to catch a big fish that you can keep forever? Using the right methods for the right type of volunteer (ie. big net vs. selective net)

How do I find the correct volunteer? Volunteer role descriptions Posting online Outreach at events Social Media On your website Word of mouth

Sample Volunteer Role Description Who, What, When, Where, Why Clear and simple Contact information / how to sign up

Tools to get volunteers to sign up

Getting to yes! Interested – what do you do with them? Respond to calls/emails within 72 hours Get them signed up for something (orientation, event etc.) Make them feel special

How do you find these volunteers? Takes some work Once you do the first post, mostly copy and paste Same with posters – just need a template Track where you post

Where to post online Websites Newsletters Your own Your own LEN Pillar Londoner Newsletters Your own Other similar groups – send blurb and photo

Making your post appealing Include an image or photo – I suggest making a banner We use Canva (free online software) Make the text exciting and inviting Tell them WHY they want to volunteer Give examples

How to get them to your office or event Send a reminder email the day before the event / first shift / orientation / workshop Include important information Ensure you have a sign in at the location Thank them at the end Send a follow up email the day or two after

Orientation / Training for Volunteers Create a presentation Include all relevant info for your organization Offer workshop every other month / once a month – depends on your capacity Ask them to sign up at the end of the workshop

Cultivating High Level Volunteers Some of your volunteers will “move up the ladder” You need to offer more responsibility to capable volunteers Treat them like staff (& recognize them too!) Takes time – these volunteers are hard to come by!

What I sent you Posting tracking form Poster distribution list (where to drop off posters) Blank orientation presentation Sample volunteer position description Survey on this workshop (sending tomorrow)

What are we doing now? Do you have an event / volunteer role you need to fill? What to do: Make sign up form (SignUp.com or Google Form) Graphic (Canva) Post online (website, social media etc.) Track where you posted

Feedback Time In small groups – share what you have put together for your volunteer role / event Solicit feedback – would they want to volunteer for you based on your post? What to change/improve?

How can I learn more? Visit LondonEnvironment.net Sign up for monthly community e-newsletter Sign up for the next LEN workshop or attend Green Drinks

Questions?