by Tamika Peters, MSM, CEO
Volunteers are the backbone of many nonprofit organizations, especially those operating with limited staff budgets. Their commitment and effort can significantly impact the success or failure of an organization. Attracting and retaining volunteers is a carefully crafted art, and I’m here to guide you through it. As I’ve emphasized in past articles and my podcast, it all begins with your strategic plan. This plan is your roadmap to success for the entire organization, and incorporating strategies to attract and retain volunteers should be one of them.
The first step is to have a job description for each volunteer position, treat them as if they are applying for a job. This includes clearly defined roles and expectations, an orientation process, a set schedule (if possible) and matching them with what hey are passionate about. This will make them feel like they have a sense of purpose and making a difference in your organization.
The second step is to foster a welcoming and inclusive work environment. This can be achieved by organizing monthly or quarterly social events featuring refreshments and music. These gatherings help build relationships and lifelong friendships, making it more difficult for volunteers to leave your organization. During these social events, volunteers can be recognized with awards and shout-outs, and their contributions can be highlighted in newsletters and on social media.
The third step is to provide ongoing training and development, similar to what you would offer an employee. Schedule lunchtime workshops open to both staff and volunteers on topics like communication, team building, and project management.
These sessions not only enhance skills but also foster a sense of inclusion and continuous growth. With more training, volunteers will be better equipped to take on additional responsibilities.
The fourth step is to regularly communicate the impact of volunteers’ work, as they want to see the tangible results of their efforts. This reinforces their sense of purpose and importance within the organization. Highlighting testimonials or stories of program beneficiaries in your newsletter and on social media is an effective way to do this. Including photos and videos can enhance these success stories, as visual content resonates strongly with audiences and helps illustrate the positive outcomes of the volunteers’ contributions.
And lastly, step five, regularly ask for feedback from volunteers as this is crucial for improving their experience and retaining their commitment. Conducting regular anonymous surveys and holding feedback sessions allows volunteers to share their insights and suggestions. If it makes sense to do so, then implement changes based on their feedback. This shows volunteers that their opinions are valued which can lead to a more satisfying and effective volunteer program.
Volunteers are not just free labor; they are passionate individuals who bring valuable skills, energy, and enthusiasm to your cause. By nurturing these relationships, organizations can foster a stronger, more effective team and, most importantly, retain volunteers for the long term.
Questions? Call (239) 293-2009 or email me at Tamika@growyournon-profit.com. Like and Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, by scanning the QR Code in the upper right corner of this article so you don’t miss exclusive interviews about raising more money for your nonprofit. Learn more about Grow Your Non-Profit by visiting, www.growyournon-profit.com.
