Selecting Your Audience and Reaching Them

When selecting the right recruitment methods for each particular group that you've decided to target, keep these ideas in mind:

• People respond best to personal communication (one-on-one or in groups).
  he best recruiters are satisfied volunteers from your program and the people who benefit from the project. They can spread the word informally to others: by talking about the program, sharing stories, and conveying the rewards of their volunteer work.
• Remember to tell your volunteers of the important role they play in meeting program goals and getting others involved.
  The most successful recruiters have similar characteristics to their audience; it’s best to have youth recruit youth, retirees recruit other retirees, and so forth.
• Mass media and community-wide recruitment techniques are most effective if a large number of volunteers are needed, no specialized skills are required, and the positions are flexible.
• Keeping track of recruitment results helps you determine what works and what doesn’t for future recruitment campaigns.
• Some programs have found that getting a recognizable phone number or Web site, such as 555-CARE, is a great way to assist in recruiting volunteers.
• Look at the most active organizations and forums such as churches, synagogues, grassroots organizations, and start partnering with them in your recruitment efforts.

Don't Be Shy About Asking

The main reason people don’t volunteer is that no one asks them. When asked to volunteer, 63 percent of people say "yes!" The percentage is even higher for members of religious organizations.

Your recruitment messages and strategies are the “ask.” Make sure potential volunteers know they have been asked and what you want from them. Be positive and honest about the work you'll ask them to do, the time commitment required, and any other issues that are unique to the service opportunity. And let them know that they will be part of positive change for your neighborhood!

Read a sample of a short speech you can give when trying to recruit neighbors as volunteers.