Marketing Your Volunteer Program: Finding the Right Volunteers

What are the best ways to find the right volunteers for your organization?  Are you relying on the same sources?  This workshop will cover how to write a volunteer opportunity “job” description, places to post those descriptions and other ways to get the word out.

Writing a volunteer opportunity description is like writing a job description only you have to inspire people to want to do the work.  Be clear but be sure to include the goal.  Most people want to know that what they do matters, so you need to demonstrate to volunteers how their piece fits into the picture to serve your mission and the greater good.

Getting the word out: are the volunteer opportunities listed on your website?  Do you post them on Volunteer Match?  Have you contacted local service groups?  Learn about all the ways you can reach out to find volunteers.

Learning Objectives
• Be able to determine organization’s needs for volunteers and indentify the goals for volunteer work
• Understand the key elements in a volunteer opportunity description
• Know internet sites for posting volunteer opportunities

Level
Introductory: for volunteer managers who wish to refine their skills in matching volunteers with opportunities.  Also for volunteer managers looking for new avenues for finding volunteers.

Presenters

Diane Hinte was the Volunteer Coordinator at Jewish Family Service and then went to La Familia, Inc. where she set up their Volunteer Program.  She is presently a community volunteer.  Diane is one of the volunteers who organizes Make A Difference Day in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.

Christina Berlin is the Volunteer and Events Coordinator with the Roadrunner Food Bank.