How do you create a volunteer team that stays?

Altruism is often difficult to round up, and volunteerism without incentive is often the same. Having a clear purpose for volunteerism is essential, but I've learned the impact of said volunteerism matters the most to those interested. Impact is not always altruism or how the volunteerism affects others. Impact can be the ultimate reason someone may choose to volunteer--like what they personally can receive or gain from participating.

We have been teaching free tuition centre more than 200 students through our volunteer team among poor , homeless people who are from backward societies in southern part of Nepal we want to change the life style of the people by educating their children . We are providing them stationary and clothes too. Some time free medical camp too. We have provided some scholarship some students for school fee and healthy diet also who are reading in government school . There ars some new place also where we our team want to do more . If someone wants to do volunteer you are welcome . If you want to donate small amount for the team and want to learn and teach our students you may come with us. We are waiting for your positive response

Create ownership. Be a platform on which the volunteers can express themselves. Not everyone needs to establish thier own business just yet. If you give them room to function, they'll stay longer.

Recruiting the right people is correct in specific circumstances. While mentoring in the competitive robotics arena, yes--I needed to recruit volunteers with the skills to recognize technology in this field, but I also needed volunteers who wanted or needed to learn something new--as this created sustainability for the program...kept it going so-to-speak. Recruiting volunteers for the Hospice program I required a variety of demographics who, most if not all, did not posses the skills needed. Everyone had to be trained and guided through the experience.

A key part of recruiting a diverse team is ensuring you have a variety of roles which will suit different kinds of people at different stages in their lives. A blend of virtual, one-off, short-term, evening and weekend opportunities will help people to fit their volunteering around other commitments. A mixture of face-to-face and behind-the-scenes roles will open your organisation to people with different preferences, skills and personality types - it will also give people an opportunity for people to move from one kind of role to another as their interest develops.

Training and support is vital to any volunteer program. In my experience, providing support to my volunteers had the most lasting impact. I lived by my mottos-- "How can I help you so you can help me?" And "I'll never ask you to do something I would not do myself. " With my younger volunteer group, I built lasting relationships with their parents, secured them, and took full responsibility for them. Providing this peace of mind allowed parents to become involved and vested in the program.

Recognition is critical. The practice gives volunteers an opportunity to be and feel proud of their help--even if they volunteered for personal gain.

In addition to the ideas above I’ve found developing personal connections with each volunteer builds bonds with intrinsic value for both of us. A random phone call has always worked best for the teams I’ve built. I’m genuinely interested in the person, the personality, the work he or she does outside the volunteer organization, family, friends, other interests. Taking just a few minutes with each volunteer without making a task oriented ask speaks volumes to the values they give you as a leader.

Have the team members own a project and present in front of others. Share the spotlight and the team will feel much more empowered.

Every volunteer comes with a skill, and it's important to figure out how those skills can contribute to the mission. Allowing volunteers to use and contribute their talents where they are most comfortable creates buy-in.

Reward reward reward. Small unexpected awards are happiness tokens. Be sure to recognize contributions. Provide opportunities for advancement within your group.