Volunteers
Articles
“Volunteers: Find Them and Keep Them!”
America’s Byways Resource Center; Vistas, April 2002
Volunteers: Find Them and Keep Them!
At the heart of most byway organizations are dedicated volunteers. A 2001 survey by America’s Byways Resource Center indicated than 40 percent of National Scenic Byway leaders are volunteers. In addition, the majority of individuals working within byway organizations are volunteers.
Volunteering provides an opportunity for people to use their existing skills or develop new skills. Along the way, scenic byways benefit from volunteers who fulfill many important roles and
responsibilities, such as:
- Fundraising
- Planning special events
- Serving as board and committee members
- Grant writing
- Website development
- Corridor clean-up and beautification efforts
- Public relations
- Historical research
- Preparing a Corridor Management Plan
- Building trails
Unfortunately, people do not usually just show up at the door offering to donate time and skills to your organization. How do you find volunteers for your byway?
Plan for Volunteers
Before you begin your search, you need a clear picture of your volunteer needs. Spend time getting organized before you recruit people for tasks. Ask yourself questions like:
- How many people do we need?
- How long will we need them?
- Is this a one-time job, or do we need volunteers on an ongoing basis?
- What type of skills are we looking for?
- Are we ready to put volunteers to work?
Recruit Volunteers
The next step is to actually find volunteers. Brainstorm potential candidates. Who has the necessary qualifications? Who lives or works close by? Who is interest in our work? Who is already connected to our byway? Are there any groups that would like to volunteer?
Once you have a list of sources, ask people to volunteer. Americans report that being asked to volunteer makes a substantial difference in their willingness to give their time. If asked, 63% will volunteer, compared to 25% who volunteer when not asked. Fifty percent (50%) of Americans are asked to volunteer—leaving another 50% who are an untapped resource.
In asking, keep these tips in mind:
- Be motivated yourself. Potential volunteers will sense your enthusiasm.
- Try to speak to candidates one-on-one, so you can address individual interests and concerns. Match volunteer roles with personal needs and schedules.
- Explain why you have approached them—their expertise, personality, etc.
- Explain the job accurately. If you expect a lot from your volunteers, be up front with them from the beginning.
- Express the benefits of volunteering. Assure them that a volunteer is an integral piece of the byway puzzle.
- Stress the fun side of volunteering. It is a great way to meet nice people and to work as a team toward a common goal.
- Ask gain at a more appropriate time. If a prospective volunteer says “no” because of schedule conflicts, the candidate may say “yes” when more time become available.
Retain Volunteers
Make volunteers feel welcome and comfortable. Loyal volunteers are invaluable, so do your best to retain them. Here are some things you can do to keep active volunteers:
- Once you recruit volunteers, get them involved right away.
- Be flexible. Most volunteers are balancing jobs and personal lives as well.
- Help volunteers understand the importance of the work they do. Explain how their contributions fit into the overall project or mission.
- Develop a structure so volunteers can take on greater responsibility if they choose to do so.
- Be mindful that there are costs involved in volunteering.
Volunteers may incur personal expenses to attend meetings, use vacation for byway events and provide in-kind donations. Use your volunteers’ time and donations carefully.
Recognize Volunteers
- Give sincere and honest praise for the contributions they make.
- Treat volunteers with respect. They are unpaid co-workers.
- Publicly recognize volunteers in speeches, media, meetings, etc.
- Plan special events, such as parties and picnics as a way to thank volunteers.
- Find professional ways to reward volunteers. For example, provide free registration to a training session.
Volunteering can be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. It’s up to you to make the volunteer’s experience memorable and worthwhile. Plan adequately and recruit diligently. Help your volunteers understand the importance of the time and effort they devote to your community and your byway. The rewards and accomplishments will bring untold value to your organization and your byway visitors.