by Luke Sackandy, Social Media Systems Analyst

Quality over quantity.  It’s such an old and often over-looked cliche, but rings so true when it comes to soliciting volunteers.  When I worked in the staffing industry, there were few things I disliked more than filling the same position multiple times.  As I gained more experience, I became better at placing workers.  The following is a list of things I found useful and believe will lend themselves well in recruiting volunteers.

Get to know your people

Don’t just put someone in a role simply because that’s where you have a need.  Get to know them.  Further digging may uncover that the given role may be a terrible fit for them.  Setting someone up for failure will create much frustration and ultimately lead to their departure.  Learn their strengths so that you can properly utilize them and if you need to move some people around, then so be it.  After all, everyone is working for the benefit of the cause not themselves.  If you’ve got the right people, they will understand that and be more than adaptable.

Be a headhunter

Don’t be shy about going out and getting who it is you think you need.  If you find someone you think would be a tremendous asset to your organization, go get them!  It will impress the individual that you think enough of them to approach them for a specific opportunity rather than waiting for them to approach you and giving them whatever is left over.

Be where your volunteers are

If you’re going to find suitable volunteers, you need to be where they are.  What I mean is; while you’re friends are great people, they may not necessarily serve as the best volunteers for your organization if they don’t share your passion.  Go to where those people who share your passion and vision are.

Make it fun

When you are asking people to give up your time for little or, often, nothing in return you have to make it an enjoyable experience for them.  Make it seem less of a job and more of a hobby so that it is something that they can find comfort in and not stress.

What strategies have you used to solicit volunteers?