Recruiting, Reviewing and Retaining Volunteers

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Recruiting, Reviewing and Retaining Volunteers

• Andrea S. Taylor, Ph.D.
• Temple University/CIL
• Generations United Pre-Conference Intensive
• September 13, 2005

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Recruiting Older Adults What volunteers want

• To make a difference
• Choice in roles and schedules
• Flexible roles
• Flexible schedules
• Ownership of roles
• Challenged but not overwhelmed
• Opportunities to have fun
• To feel appreciated

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Motivators for Older Adults Volunteers

• To help others
• To improve community
• Personal commitment to a cause or belief

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Challenges for older adult volunteers

• Cliquishness or conflict among volunteers
• Emotionally demanding volunteer experience
• Busy schedules
• Health or caregiving issues
• Lack of confidence
• Preference for solitary activities
• Institutional barriers

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Tips for Engaging Older Volunteers

• Help volunteers understand how their efforts
  realize the mission of the organization/project.
• Develop roles that capitalize on volunteer
  expertise.
• Provide training and opportunities for personal
  growth
• Offer incentives
• Provide opportunities for advancement

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What Motivates Youth?

• Compassion for people in need
• Working for an important cause
• Reciprocity of helping role
• Making new friends

• Volunteering with friends
• Enhance college applications
• Leadership and career skills
• Productivity inb free time

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What Prevents Youth from Volunteering?

• No one asked them
• They dont know how to get involved
• No free time
• Arent interested in or feel uncomfortable with
  an issue
• Lack transportation or other supports

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Tips for Involving Young People

• Work with appropriate organizations to recruit
• Provide opportunities for youth to teach and lead
• Utilize young people as recruiters
• Promote strong youth-adult partnerships

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Involving Youth

• Market program as opportunity to meet people from
  diverse backgrounds
• Match volunteers interests and abilities to tasks
• Be specific and concrete in recruitment message
• Focus on the benefits
• Have fun and socialize!

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Guiding Principles of Volunteer Recruitment

• Develop quality materials
• Cast a wide net
• Use a variety of recruitment strategies
• Be passionate (figuratively speaking)

• Assume Nothing
• Aim for high numbers
• Develop a recruitment plan appropriate for
  special populations
• Be selective!

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Reviewing (Screening) Volunteers

• Application forms
• Interviews
• References
• Background checks
• Physical exams
• Driving records

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Retaining Volunteers

• Provide pre-service and in-service training
• Acknowledge accomplishments
• Provide Supervision
• To motivate
• To empower
• To monitor
• Be aware of burnout!