Volunteering is a rewarding way to make a difference in your community, but finding and engaging volunteers online can be challenging.
Here are some best practices for online volunteer recruitment, training, and orientation that will help you attract and retain motivated and skilled volunteers for your cause.
Before you start looking for volunteers online, you need to have a clear idea of what you want them to do, how much time and commitment they need, and what skills and qualifications they need. This will help you create a compelling and specific volunteer opportunity that matches your organization's mission and goals. You can use tools like SMART goals, SWOT analysis, and logic models to help you define your needs and goals.
I've found that a robust scoping process helps set expectations for both the organization and the volunteers. By appropriately outlining the time commitment, the skills required or physical elements of the volunteer position, the level of expertise needed and various other key components to your project, you can set both parties up for successful impact.
YES! Have a clear plan and time commitment. However, it's your CULTURE that matters the most. Are you providing your Staff/Volunteers the most beautiful human experience when working with you? Simple Put - are you the best host for the best house party on the block? In your business plan, budget, and 5-year plan is there a paid-for strategy to have to best culture in the business? In my 40 years in the Southwest, over hundreds of events and productions - I'm known as the Celebration Ambassador. Kairand is always fun to work with. Spend your money, time, and resources to be known as the best place to work.
To reach a diverse and large pool of potential volunteers, you need to use multiple channels and platforms to promote your volunteer opportunity. You can use social media, email newsletters, blogs, podcasts, webinars, online forums, and other online communities to spread the word and generate interest. You can also use online volunteer matching platforms like VolunteerMatch, Idealist, or DoSomething to post your opportunity and connect with volunteers who share your cause.
Once you have attracted some interest, you need to have a clear and engaging volunteer application that collects the information you need and motivates the applicants to join your team. You can use online forms, surveys, or quizzes to create your application and make it easy and accessible for your potential volunteers. You should include questions that assess the applicants' skills, availability, motivation, and expectations, as well as provide information about your organization, the volunteer role, and the benefits of volunteering.
Background checks, explaining your company's core business values, and your zero-tolerance policy are the most important key elements. People want to know who you are, and what type of culture you support. I strongly recommend not overdoing the application with too many questions. Keep it simple.
After you have selected your volunteers, you need to provide them with online volunteer training and orientation that prepares them for their role and integrates them into your organization. You can use online learning platforms, video conferencing, or webinars to deliver your training and orientation sessions and make them interactive and engaging. You should cover topics such as your organization's history, vision, values, policies, and procedures, the volunteer role and responsibilities, the tools and resources they need, and the feedback and recognition they will receive.
To keep your volunteers motivated and satisfied, you need to maintain regular communication and support throughout their volunteer experience. You can use email, phone, text, or chat to check in with your volunteers, provide guidance and feedback, answer questions, and address any issues or concerns. You can also use online platforms like Slack, Facebook Groups, or WhatsApp to create a sense of community and connection among your volunteers and staff, and to share updates, stories, and achievements.
Finally, you need to recognize and appreciate your volunteers for their contributions and impact. You can use online tools like certificates, badges, e-cards, or gift cards to show your gratitude and appreciation. You can also use social media, newsletters, blogs, or podcasts to showcase your volunteers' stories and successes and to celebrate their milestones and achievements. You can also invite your volunteers to provide feedback and testimonials about their volunteer experience and to share their suggestions and ideas for improvement.
Wherever possible and appropriate, include the organization's leadership in recognizing volunteers. A signed note from the CEO or an in person meet and greet at the conclusion of a major project can convey the significance of their contribution and help to improve retention.