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People who are asked to volunteer their time are more than three times as
likely to do so than others. The following pointers are applicable to volunteer
recruitment in a wide variety of service settings.
- Be prepared. Have a complete description of the organization. Understand
and communicate why this assignment is necessary to the work of the group
or organization. Share why being a member is important and meaningful to
you.
- Be sure that you are the right person to extend the invitation. Find a member
of the group who knows the prospective volunteer, or a person with good
communication and people skills. Identify the best person to share the volunteer
opportunity.
- Personalize your invitation. Why do you want the particular individual you
are asking? Talk about how this opportunity will meet an important need that
he/she may have expressed, will provide an opportunity for involvement, or
will offer a chance to give back to the organization.
- Think about how the inviation will sound to the prospective member. Ask
positively and enthusiastically. Don't apologize, distort the facts or ask negatively:
"You wouldn't want to, would you?" Don't beg. Show your interest in this
person and their commitment to the organization's mission.
- Be enthusiastic. Your best recruiter values the work of the organization and
genuinely supports this effort. Always speak from the heart. Remember:
enthusiasm is contagious.
- Be realistic with your expectations. A newly retired person may need a
flexible schedule; a year's commitment to an 18-year-old is the equivalent of
asking a 45-year-old for three years of service; a divorced parent searching
for a family-volunteering opportunity may need an alternating weekend
schedule.
- Remember the "courtesy factor". Whether you phone a person or initiate a
conversation face to face, determine if this is a good time to talk. If not, schedule
a time when you might visit with each other.
- Bring closure to the conversation. A member may want to think about the
request or may need to consult with family members or a work schedule.
Agree upon a time when you will complete the discussion and learn the
prospect's decision.
- Follow up quickly. If the person is willing to sign-up, be sure that a new
member orientation is readily available. Introduce the volunteer to others so
that newcomers feel welcome and included.
- Accept "NO" graciously. The time and situation may not allow a person to
accept the opportunity, even one that seems "perfect" for the individual.
Determine if a follow-up invitation is in order and thank the person for taking
the time to listen to your request.
Source: Leadership Training Network's Starter Kit for Lay Ministry by Sarah Jane Rehnborg;
Tips on Speaking with Groups by Sue Vineyard and Steve McCurley.
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