Orientation within Recruitment Activities

What Do We Want? More Volunteers

What Do We REALLY Want? Volunteers that: –Know the details about our program and want to be a part of it –Understand the volunteer program’s tie to and role within Extension, and support Extension’s mission –Understand and agree with our policies –Will be positive contributors to our group

Orientation within Recruitment All of our recruitment efforts should have a purposeful dose of orientation within them Facilitates knowledgeable volunteers Raises awareness and appreciation

One Specific Technique An informational meeting for people interested in joining your volunteer program A informal, group meeting focusing on the program’s purpose and requirements

Preparing for the Meeting Keep a contact list of interested people Secure the meeting facility Mail or folks to give the details of the informational meeting Encourage current volunteers to attend

The Meeting Facility Needs to accommodate: –A large crowd –A laptop, projector and screen –A display area for posters and/or publications –A refreshment area (if desired)

Conducting the Meeting Main focus: attendees learning about the program & interacting with current volunteers Ensure a non-threatening atmosphere with no pressure and no immediate commitment

Conducting the Meeting Volunteer resource administrator should speak A volunteer leader within the program should speak

Conducting the Meeting Have a question/answer time Tell participants what will happen next (communication, deadlines, etc…) Allow time for potential volunteers to mingle with current volunteers

Outcomes from the Meeting Some folks will join our volunteer group! –This is GREAT! Some folks will not join our group! –This is great, too!

Outcomes from the Meeting Reinforcing of fundamental program concepts to current volunteers Efficient use of our time Advocacy and Awareness of Extension