One of the best methods for warm body recruitment is to
arrange presentations to local clubs and other groups. Such presentations
can serve both to inform the public about what your organization does and to
recruit new volunteers. In following this method of recruitment, be sure to:
- Deliberately select the groups before whom you wish to speak. There
are two types who are most helpful: those groups whose membership
regularly participates in helping out in the community (Rotary, service
clubs, etc), and those groups whose membership as individuals are likely
to have a common interest with your cause. Schedule these types of groups
first.
In seeking entry to speak to the group, consider going through a group
member. The member can serve as your authenticator to his/her peer group,
paving your way to a more receptive audience. They can also make it more
likely that you will be invited to speak.
Try to time your speaking to meet with the group's processes and your
needs. Find out what other projects the group is already committed to and
time your talk to coincide with their need to develop a new project.
Determine how much lead-time they need and make sure that your request is
not too precipitous for them to meet.
Pick your presenters carefully. Make sure the person who is speaking can
explain what your agency does and exactly what is needed from the group.
Consider sending a volunteer who can speak forcefully about the worth of
the effort.
If possible, utilize a visual presentation, with slides, pictures, etc. If
your presentation is boring, the group may assume that your jobs will be
too.
Be prepared for people to offer their services. Take along brochures,
examples of jobs for which they are needed, sign-up sheets, etc. If
someone expresses interest, don't leave without their name and phone
number, and commit yourself to following up with them. Follow-up as
quickly as possible.
Be prepared for too much success. You may need to have a back up plan to
handle the entire group wanting to volunteer together to help you out, not
just a few individuals. If several group members decide to volunteer, you
will need to consider ways in which they might work together while
performing the volunteer work.
Remember that at some point during your presentation you should directly
and unequivocally ask the audience to volunteer. Very few people will
insist on volunteering for your program without being asked to do so.
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