RESOURCES for Engaging Volunteers

1
RESOURCES for Engaging Volunteers

• Compiled by
• MD Volunteer Centers Association
• Volunteer Maryland

2
Consider Your Organizations Capacity Constraints

• What is realistic?
• Focus on 2-3 priorities
• Think broadly and creatively, beyond your typical
  use of volunteers

3
Finding volunteers

• Your orgs contact list
• Volunteer Centers
• Professional orgs
• Web presence
• Universities
• Leadership
• Media coverage

4
Consider Your Language

• Opportunity versus desperation
• Mission-focused descriptions
• Is it worth my time?
• Fun? Social? Meaningful? Networking?

5
Nuts and Bolts of a Volunteer Program

• Learn the best practices
• Follow as many as you can and build up to more
• Stay in the loop
• Sign up for volunteer management e-newsletters
  (Energize, Inc) to stay in the loop
• Use Google alerts to stay in the loop on
  volunteer ideas and trends

6
Now they are here What do I do next?
7
Volunteer Centers

• Use us as consultants!
• Training- send your staff
• Use our resources so we can help you get the
  volunteers you need

8
Who does all of this?

• Best practice at least a part time person
  focusing on volunteer management
• In this economy?!!
• Interns, volunteers and one more great avenue to
  pursue.

9
AmeriCorps/VISTA Valuable Resource

• Welcome Barbara Reynolds of Volunteer Maryland
  and the Governors Office on Service and
  Volunteerism