Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers

Presented by

Bronwyn Holder

Learning Objectives

• Examine Gamma Phi Beta resources for volunteer recruitment.

• Develop a plan to onboard new volunteers.

• Describe strategies for retaining volunteers.

Brainstorm

Which aspect of this session are you more interested in learning about:

RECRUITMENT or RETENTION?

Recruitment Strategies

• Language

– Jargon

– Specific Needs

–Value

Example One

The Theta Nu AHC is seeking a volunteer to be our secretary. This position will work with the full board and provide

support for general functions. If interested, please submit applications

via email by April 12, 2017.

Example Two

The Theta Nu Affiliated House Corporation board is looking for an organized and enthusiastic sister to

join our team as secretary. Duties for this position include recording

minutes, counter-signing official documents, maintaining official

records and maintaining the safe deposit box.

Example Two (continued)

If you enjoy making an impact and working with collegiate and alumnae

women alike, please apply. A communication or public relations

background and previous experience serving as secretary is desired. If this sounds like the perfect job for you,

please apply via email by April 12, 2017.

Out of the Box Advertisement

• What creative ideas can you share about advertising?

Recruitment via Interviewing

• Values-Based

• Mutual-Selection Process

• Similar mindset: potential new members (PNMs) and new volunteers

Interview Guides

• Definition

• Ways to Demonstrate the Skill

• Interview Questions

• Scoring

• Use the interview guides at your table to create a list of 5-6 questions for an interview.

Onboarding

Compliance

Clarification

Culture

Connection

0123456789001234500123450 :

Making a Plan - Example

• Compliance

– What types of documents, policies, or manuals do you need your volunteer to be familiar with?

– How would you check to see if the volunteer understood the content of the document?

– Write 1-2 action items for each level of onboarding. Make sure to include a deadline.

Retention Strategies

• Onboarding plan

• Regular check-in’s

• Recognition and celebration

• Pay attention to motivation factors

• Incorporate sisterhood activities into every board meeting

• Ensure the volunteer gets more than they give

• Seek feedback from your volunteers

01234567890012345001234560 :

Volunteer Retention Strategies

• What are your best practices?

Review of Learning

• Examined Gamma Phi Beta resources for volunteer recruitment.

• Developed a plan to onboard new volunteers.

• Described strategies for retaining volunteers.

Debrief

• What is your biggest takeaway from today’s program?

• What will you start or stop doing as a result of today’s program?