I do a lot of different tactics to recruit for the right position. If I am looking for the right person, they usually are right in front of me. The volunteers I have are always willing to do more, so asking even the busiest volunteer are the ones that come forward, because they have the passion and desire to help out the organization.
When I have a volunteer come in the office to volunteer, they sometimes don’t know what they want to do, so I will have them shadow several different positions and then they can pick what ones works best for them.
I go out and volunteer myself in different organizations and find that those volunteers are looking to do more and recruit that way. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn’t. But I find that a volunteer wants to be busy. Just as I do. I don’t want to go and take up my time and not be busy. I would rather be ironing or going to work.
We advertise on social media and United Way to recruit, we go on Volunteer Connection through the local TV studio, ask retirees of the organization, ask the employees to volunteer. Most organizations encourage their staff to volunteer.
These are just a few strategies.
Deb Anderson is the Supervisor for Volunteer Services and Guest Services at Essentia Health in Bemidji. She is also active with the Crow Wing County Volunteer Network.