1. © Copyright 2011, NorthSky Nonprofit Network. All rights reserved. Casting a Wider Net: Expanding Your Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Strategies Presented by:

2. Introductions The new volunteer demographic Traditional recruitment approaches What works & doesn’t work Targeted recruitment strategies A systematic approach Retention strategies Workshop evaluation Workshop Agenda

3. Different profile – different needs Important to create roles that meet needs Essential to have the structure in place Important to involve staff and gain support Infrastructure is critical for success Two Minute Refresher The New Volunteer

4. Younger Busier Seeking meaningful opportunities Impatient with time-wasting activities Desire social connections Some are donors Graduation requirements create a pool of younger volunteers Some are looking for job experience, training, re-entry to employment Profile of the New Volunteer

5. Passive- “fill out an application at the front desk” Broad, generic- “one size fits all” Pre-defined roles based on what works for NPO During “regular” business hours Traditional Recruitment Approaches

6. Recruitment : what works Personal invitation Compelling message Relationship-oriented Targeted in terms of message & media Customized roles

7. Recruitment : Targeted Strategies The Recruitment Plan Worksheet

8. Recruitment : Targeted Strategies Personal invitation Other volunteers or staff Connected Enthusiastic Satisfied Articulate

9. Recruitment: Targeted Strategies Relationship-oriented: The Constituency Model Major Donors, Board, Management Clients, Volunteers, Employees, General Donors Former Board, Participants, Former Employees Individuals with Similar Interests The Universe

10. Targeting volunteer prospects: Identify segments Define characteristics and motives for each segment Identify how to reach each segment Develop compelling messages/ benefits Recruitment: Targeted Strategies

11. SEGMENTCHARACTERISTICS/ MOTIVES METHODSMESSAGE/BENEFITS StudentsMeet school requirements Works with schedule Work with other students Onsite at school Electronic media; Website Youthful look to invite Social/ fun Working adults Works with schedule Meets recreational, social needs while helping others Personal invitation Help the community as only you can help

12. How do you reach them? United Way Volunteer Center Professional/ social networks Other postings Recruitment: Targeted Strategies

13. Volunteer Center of the United Way of Northwest Michigan www.startherestaynear.com

14. Recruitment: Targeted Strategies Which is the most effective method to recruit volunteers? Which is the most cost-effective method?

15. LADDER OF EFFECTIVENESS Personal: face-to-face Personal letter (on personal stationary) With telephone follow-up Without telephone follow-up Recruitment events Personal telephone With letter follow-up Without letter follow-up Personalized letter-Internet Impersonal letter/ direct mail/ Internet News media/advertising Recruitment

16. Compelling message includes 4 elements The statement of need. (The need of clients, not of the agency!) How the volunteer can uniquely help Position requirements Benefits of the position to the volunteer Recruitment: Targeted Strategies

17. Statement of client need They have gloves, bats and softballs, but no coach. Seventy-five mentally-challenged boys and girls are waiting for a coach. How to help Don’t let them strike out. Join our Special Olympics Team! Call 1-800-Gold today! Benefits You’ll never feel more appreciated (and you’ll get some exercise, too!). Recruitment: Targeted strategies

18. Sample Recruitment Message Many elderly in our community live lonely stretches without a warm smile or embrace. Your family could volunteer to “adopt” one of these senior residents. The members of your family will experience some rare quality time together while giving someone’s grandma or grandpa a real lift. Recruitment: Targeted Strategies

19. Begin with effective volunteer recruitment and a good interview. The needs of the organization & the needs of the volunteer must be met simultaneously. Demand creative thinking. Must be honest, fair, and sincere. Volunteer Retention Why do volunteers leave?

20. The volunteer role must be based on a real need. Treat the volunteer as a valued member of your team. Trained, equipped supervisors are essential. Orient and prepare the volunteer for the role.. Volunteer Retention Why do volunteers leave?

21. Informal recognition Recognition should be meaningful to the individual Ongoing monitoring of satisfaction & fit How do we say thank you on a day-to-day basis? Give recognition as soon as possible after task is completed Volunteer Retention

22. Formal recognition Events Correspondence Gifts/ rewards Caution! Impersonal May be viewed as insincere Costly Shouldn’t replace day-to-day thank you Volunteer Retention

23. Volunteer Center of the United Way of Northwest Michigan www.startherestaynear.com

24. What Questions Do You Have?

25. Volunteer Center of the United Way of Northwest Michigan www.startherestaynear.com

26. NorthSky Resource Center www.northskynonprofitnetwork.org

27. Casting a Wider Net: Responding to New Volunteer Demographics Trainer: Pamela Evans Thank You Contact NorthSky at: 231.929.3934 Presented by: