How Nonprofits Can Effectively Improve Volunteer Recruitment

What is an unlimited resource that nonprofits are always looking to acquire and increase in amount? Volunteers! Volunteers are the most valuable element of community service, and nonprofit organizations are constantly searching for ways to improve their community outreach to recruit more individuals. Sometimes, however, volunteers can be a difficult commodity to come by; during busier times of the year, it is difficult for organizations to get in touch with potential volunteers. Fortunately, there are many strategies for nonprofits to utilize in order to improve volunteer recruitment. Here are four ways for nonprofit organizations to effectively enhance their recruitment tactics:

1. Build strong relationships with your volunteers. Volunteers are more likely to support an organization when they emotionally connect with the nonprofit’s cause. Furthermore, they are more likely to volunteer for a longer period of time. To develop strong relationships with volunteers, nonprofits should get to know their volunteers personally when screening or training them. They should take the time to understand why the volunteer wants to serve their community, and they should also learn what skills they possess, what experiences they are looking for, and how long they plan to volunteer. This will make the volunteer feel as if their efforts are appreciated by the nonprofit, and they will feel like a part of the organization’s community.
2. Give a concise and meaningful explanation of your organization’s mission and expectations. Volunteers like to know what to expect when serving an organization, so it is imperative that a nonprofit is transparent about their mission. If a volunteer doesn’t understand who and why they are serving, they may feel as if they are wasting their time. An ideal time to explain the organization’s mission is during volunteer training. This way, individuals can build a foundational connection with the organization, and they can take the time to decide whether or not their skills best align with the nonprofit’s mission. If they feel their skills are compatible, they are more likely to return for service.  
3. Promote your nonprofit organization efficiently and consistently. The most effective means of promotion are through social media. When nonprofits market their mission through social media, volunteers can see the impact that the nonprofit is making on the community, and they will be more compelled to join the cause. Also, by consistently updating social media pages, nonprofits can show the volunteer community how they have been growing and changing, and this professional image will attract eager volunteers. Some other effective promotional tactics include newsletters, flyers, email updates, and, of course, partnering with third-party promotional organizations like Triangle Cares!
4. Look for feedback from volunteers and respond to their advice. Volunteers appreciate nonprofit organizations that are adaptable and dynamic, so when they suggest changes or improvements to a nonprofit’s volunteer system, it is important that the nonprofit organization listens to this advice and responds accordingly. Because volunteers help build the backbone of nonprofits, their opinions are valuable. Sometimes, a nonprofit organization doesn’t realize that they missed an opportunity within their volunteer system, but the volunteers themselves may have seen it. When nonprofit organizations respond well to their community’s feedback, they show volunteers that they care about them, and this will construct a greater connection between the nonprofit and its volunteer base.

​Community service is an environment built on interpersonal relationships, emotional understanding, honesty, and diligence. Nonprofit organizations that recognize this and strive to build stronger connections with their volunteers will experience successful volunteer recruitment in no time!