Chris Williams
We've all seen it happen: Someone suggests an idea but cannot take it on themselves. Then, someone who isn't at the meeting is asked if they could work on it. That person will often do so because they want to help out and don't want to say "no" to their friends.
Sometimes this works - we have amazing volunteers - but it can be a recipe for increased burnout. For us to be effective in the long run, everyone must create the change they would like to see and not pressure others to do things they may not have time for.
So what's the alternative? The most sustainable and efficient volunteer recruitment really starts with good job design. And as this article indicates, people's motivations are changing as we face increasing pressure where distractions have increased tenfold in the workforce.
If you make the work attractive, you won't have to bend anyone's arm to do it.
Good Volunteer Job Design
Here's the key to success: If you're looking for a volunteer, carefully consider whether the "job" you want to fill (1) actually meets the need of your committee or branch and (2) gives potential volunteers a sense of meaningful engagement. There is a massive pool of people with talents and interest in volunteering, but a number of factors contribute to why estimates say 75% of Americans don't volunteer.
Working together, we can improve our culture of volunteerism and find amazing untapped talent in our own ranks. We can do this in two ways:
- Protect our hardest working people from burning out.
- Expand our pool of volunteers by reaching out in ways that speak to more people.
As you engage in succession planning for your committee, consider re-shaping the necessary tasks so they remain appealing to an increasingly over-worked and pressured pool of potential volunteers (this study reminds us there are some things we can change and some we cannot - which can be planned around).
How to Post a Mountaineers Volunteer Need Online
The word "enjoy" is in our mission statement and it should be a part of everything we do - especially volunteering. We have created a Volunteer Recruitment Template to synthesize numerous studies on volunteer recruitment into one sample form for posting your volunteer needs. It helps people find work they will enjoy doing!
To use it:
- Fill out the template to publicize your volunteer needs (by writing up a blog) and "tag" it with "Volunteers Needed" so it will appear on our Volunteers Needed page.
- Then email it to those who may be interested (and/or post on your social media outlets). Staff can help you develop a list of people with the best skills and interests for the position you are looking to fill based on what people have reported on their "My Volunteer Profile" tab.
We're optimistic that you will be surprised with the results more often than not.
*This article originally appeared in our March 2015 "LeaderLines" email to volunteers in leadership positions. Want to get this email? Visit your profile page and click on "Preferences" to opt-in to the LeaderLines mailing!
