Typically, the term “episodic volunteer” is defined as individuals who engage in one-time or short-term volunteer opportunities. These volunteers are generally recognized as busy individuals with hectic schedules and jobs or social commitment that make them prefer a more noncommittal and flexible volunteer schedule. Taking an organizational perspective, “episodic volunteering” can be reframed to focus on the work that needs to be accomplished, as well as how the organization can accommodate the volunteer’s flexible schedule through three types of episodic volunteer opportunities.

Types of Episodic Volunteering

• Event based: One-day special events such as the national days of service. Volunteers can be recruited for these events to bring attention to a particular issue by under take one-day service projects.
• Project based: Projects that occur in the community that are planned throughout the year or are undertaken to address a particular need. These are projects that take more than one-day to fulfill. For example, a Toy for Tots project or a community center renovation. Volunteers can be recruited for these special projects by emphasizing that the project-based, limited time nature of the commitment requested.
• Program-based: Efforts that have an on going need and do not require specialized skills can engage volunteers on a flexible basis. For example, a soup kitchen that runs every Wednesday., can attract volunteers who might be able to drop in on those Wednesday when their schedule permits. To ensure that the critical slots are covered, you will, however, want to make sure you have some regular volunteers who can be counted on those days when there are no drop in volunteers.

A Strategy to Build Partnership

In addition to enabling organizations to meet their program and project needs, episodic volunteering can be an effective strategy to build partnerships with tough communities. Event-Based episodic volunteering, such as the national days of service, is especially good to start also for the following reasons:

• Low commitment: A one-day event in a nice, concrete introduction to a partnership and may seem less intimidating than launching into an on-going relationship right off the bat.
• High energy: Thousands of people across the country engage in the national days of service. Your project can connect to the theme of the day as well as the energy of knowing you are part of something bigger.
• Resources: Why re-invent the wheel? The national days of service will have resources available to use such as planning grants you can apply for, free How-To guidebooks and posters, t-shirts and merchandise you can purchase.
• Recognition: Specific national days of service have Awards Programs where excellent projects are honored with a cash award.
• Partnership: Since the national days of service have so many people engaged, it opens the door for new partnerships. Collaborating around a service project can be the first step to a sustained partnership.

Project Ideas.