Where Do You Find Volunteers?

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Matt Hugg
November 25, 2024

Volunteering is a dirty word. Or at least you’d think so given some people’s reaction to it. 

There’s the old joke showing a line of fresh army recruits. Their sergeant shouts, “I need a volunteer,” and all but one steps backwards, leaving the poor sap at the mercy of the drill instructor.

Ever stand in front of a group of people – maybe parents at a youth sports sign up – and say “I need a volunteer to…”? How many people raise their hand? How many people feel a sense of relief when someone else does? (By the way—here’s your first hint: never stand in front of a group and ask for volunteers. Asking one-to-one is almost always more effective.)

What is it about volunteering that scares people? 

1. Time. “I don’t have time” is almost a mantra in our culture. It’s really a matter of priorities. Your real competition for their time is the television, shopping or scrolling social media.
2. Skill. Too many people overestimate the skills needed to do what you need, and underestimate their ability to learn. Emphasize any on the job training you’ll do.
3. Standing out/above. There’s a strong human inclination to be “normal” and not stand out, and by virtue of volunteering, they’ll stand out. Can they bring a friend? Sure!
4. The need for income. This can be a very valid concern, especially for low wage workers and the unemployed looking for their next job. Try focusing on short term, skill building opportunities. It could lead to something great for them, and you.
5. The “me” culture. To a lot of people, volunteers are fools. They attach a stigma to anyone doing something for nothing. Unfortunately they don’t see the non-monetary benefits to volunteering, but you’re not going to change their minds. 

What more can you do?

1. Focus on your mission. This is first because your mission is always first in anything you do. In fundraising, they say that nobody gives without CIA: capacity, interest and access. Applied to volunteering, almost everyone has the capacity to help you in one way or another. We’ll get to access, below. But interest? It’s the most powerful of the three. If someone has high interest in your mission, they’ll pitch right in. If not, they’ll make excuses. Don’t worry about convincing the uninterested. There are plenty of people who love your mission, you just need to keep talking about your mission and they’ll identify themselves.

• Offer short assignments. No volunteer assignment should look like a “never ending story,” especially to a new volunteer. What tasks can be accomplished in a few hours or a night or two? Think of it like a date. Just like you wouldn’t say “Let’s get married” when you first see someone, don’t say “Can you be a committee chair?” when you first meet.

• Make it about them. What are they getting out of volunteering? Every volunteer has motivations. What are theirs? As long as their goals are appropriate (I’m sure you know what I mean), then help them meet their goals while you make yours? Maybe they are reentering the workforce and want to build skills? Are they looking for some social interaction? Are they recently retired and want to meaningfully fill their time? Find out, and make it a win/win. (And always do your screening, especially if your work is with kids.)

• Sign up groups. You’re not scary, but you look scary from the outside, even if you have the most benign mission you can imagine. As humans, we seek each other for safety. No problem. Look for small social groups to bring in and let them feel safe and enjoy each other while they help you. These could be from social or fraternal clubs, businesses, labor unions or chambers of commerce. Get on the local speaking circuit to let them know about your opportunities.

• Be exclusive. Your first thought is to be inclusive, because that feels right. I’m with you. But joining a group that everyone can join isn’t very special. I’m not talking about discriminating.  I’m talking about having standards that anyone who is motivated can accomplish, like training before a “full” membership. Think of it as your “velvet rope” policy. You’d be surprised. Once you start, the people who are in will insist that the new people do the same. It will build a cohesive, sought after group. 

Volunteering doesn’t have to be a dirty word. By starting them on the path to an engaging, meaningful experience, they’ll soon stand with you shouting “Come on, give it a try! I did!”

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Author: Matt Hugg is president of Nonprofit.Courses, and mentor at the John S. Watson School of Public Service at Thomas Edison State University. He can be reached at [email protected].

 

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