How to Keep Your Volunteers Coming Back for More: Web-based Volunteer solutions and how they can increase your volunteer recruitment and retention.

Session Overview In this session, you will hear from nonprofits that are using Volunteer systems to manage their one-time and long-term volunteers. You'll hear how they use the tools; how the tools have impacted their work, and even get a peek at some of the tools. Session Takeaways: The benefits of volunteer recruitment and management systems Which tools are available Resources for evaluating your options and finding the right fit for you

How to Meet Potential Volunteers Online A basic online strategy should include: Recognition that online should complement offline activities Website presence that appeals to many audiences Concrete results and outcomes that appeal to potential volunteers Strategy for marketing your website outreach and communications strategy Quality Volunteer Opportunities, Volunteer Tracking, & Management of Volunteer Data

How an Online System Can Help Tracking and Maintaining List of Volunteer Opportunities Traditionally: Volunteer Centers contacts organization then transcribes opportunities into a central database. Online: Allows direct input by organizations, management of volunteer “referrals” and promotion tools Matching a Volunteer to an Opportunity Traditionally: Connects with a potential volunteer via phone or in person, determines interests/ availability, and matches volunteer to a listing of current opportunities. Online: Allows the volunteer (on their own) to search or be automatically notified via of opportunities that matches interests and availability

How an Online System Can Help (cont’d) Tracking volunteer information and communication For future matching and thank you’s without creating duplicate databases Relationship Development Track volunteer’s record of service and interests Critical to developing a relationship with your volunteer that can flourish into a more substantial commitment Reporting on Your Success For fundraising/grant writing purposes Data tracking and management integrated into your volunteer management strategy, so information is gathered and recorded throughout the year

Selecting a system Step 1: Identify your needs Does it integrate or replace current system, is hosting provided? Which features are required and which “nice to have’? Online recruitment and matching Online signup / registration for volunteers Volunteer Tracking and Logistics management: Volunteer Reporting/Other reporting requirements Donations Management Events management Disaster / emergency response Tools to manage “other” customers (business, colleges) How much can I realistically afford to spend? Will this service increase my ability to generate funding, revenue, or sponsorships?

Selecting a System Step 2: Interview the vendors Make sure to pick a vendor with a solid product and plans to invest in growing the product to meet market needs. Will vendor last in the marketplace? How many current customers? How satisfied are they? What the vendor’s reputation and experience in the field of volunteer service? How many of the features I require are met? Will the vendor meet my required features in the next 6 months, the next year? Will this vendor help or hinder my ability to fundraise and/or generate revenue.

Online Volunteer Management Vendors Now it’s time to hear from non-profits who use the following providers: Volunteer Solutions provided by United eWay / United Way of America Volunteer Match provided by Impact Online Volunteer.org provided by Points of Light Foundation

1-800-Volunteer.org Teresa Gardner-Williams Executive Director Prince George's Volunteer Center

Volunteer Match Kim Gube Volunteer Relationships Manager American Red Cross National Headquarters

Volunteer Solutions Jeff Slobotski Manager, Marketing and Sales Volunteer Solutions / United eWay

Questions? Volunteer.org Katherine Watier Volunteer Solutions Jeff Slobotski Volunteer Match Jonathan Cirome (415) x 6871