Effective Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement, presented to Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

Presented by Katherine Swartz, CAEGreater Columbia Chamber of Commercekswartz@columbiachamber.comThose who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer. ~Author UnknownVolunteer Recruitment & Engagement

Today’s OutlineUnderstanding your issuesWhy do people and companies volunteer?Why do people stop volunteering?Building managed process to volunteer position development and engagement (with our business members in mind)RMRR: Recruitment, Management, Recognition and RetentionCase StudyAdditional ResourcesQ&A

Understanding your issues and needs

Think about this. . . .Civil society and the concept of democracy in the United states were born from a spirit of voluntary action and a commitment to bring about change. . . to see a wrong and right it, to imagine what is possible and achieve it. The nonprofit sector provides some of the most meaningful models of what it means to live in a civil society.In turn, effective volunteerism yields benefits that extend beyond individual organizations – to the volunteers themselves, and the people and communities they serve.Advancing business together Advancing the community togetherSource: A Guide to Investing in Volunteer Resources

Volunteering in the United StatesPercentage of adults who volunteer: 44%Total number of adult volunteers: 83.9 millionAverage weekly hours per volunteer: 3.6 hoursTotal dollar value of volunteer time: $239.2 billionNational value of volunteer service hour: $21.36 (2010)Value of volunteer hour in SC: $16.53It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference. ~Tom Brokaw

Why do people and companies volunteer?

Why do volunteers volunteer?Meet a needContribute expertiseMake a differenceTo feel good or feel connectedBuild skillsBuild networkAccess to broader range of perspectives, skills and resourcesBecause they were asked . . .

The Business Case for Workplace VolunteeringThey want to “do good” for their community.It fits the company’s traditions and values.It improves reputation and image.It is important to customers that the company demonstrates “good citizenship.”It helps recruit/retain employees.It helps build employee morale and job satisfaction.It helps build teams among diverse employees.It allows employees to develop new skills that are useful in their “real job.”Source: The Points of Light Foundation

Why do people stop volunteering?

Why do people stop volunteering?Poor management (2 out of 5)Competition with other organizationsLack of discretionary timeLack of leadership opportunitiesThey didn’t feel their gift of time made a differenceIneffective use of their time

Let’s build a volunteer program with our chamber business members in mind.

Volunteerism:Accomplishes real workStrengthens democratic and civic valuesConnect peopleSparks creative problem solvingSupplements existing resourcesProvides broader range of perspectives, skills and resourcesVolunteers are a necessary and critical resource for healthy communities (included within chambers).Volunteers are not “free.” Investment of time and energy on both the volunteer and chamber.

Managed process based on open communication and a spirit of partnershipSet your organizational goals.Internally: Agree on scope, schedule, budget, etc. “Business” approach to time: plan, plan, planKnow who on your staff is going to manage the volunteer relationships. And, just as important, who at the company will champion your needs within their organization. Make contact with an interested volunteer/ company. Think early about building a long-term relationship, not just about the one-time transaction.

Align your goals and the volunteer’s/company’s. Be sure the expected ROI is attainable and fair to both sides.Have items available in writing.Make it EASY to get (and stay) involved. Plan, plan, plan… and plan some more. And do it jointly.Implement volunteer team building.Implement the project – the proof of good planning is a plan that works!

The day after? Sorry, you are not done yet! Measure the results against the ROI goals and the specifics of the plan. Results & Reporting Back: obtain and give feedbackCelebrate your success. Finally, don’t forget recognition and publicity.Ask them again (and personally)Ask for their referrals

Recruitment >>> Management >>> Recognition >>> RetentionHow do you recruit volunteers?

Recruitment How-To’sPublicize to all members (transparency) and ask personallyEstablish a direct connection (think back – why do volunteers volunteer?)Help volunteers see the benefits of volunteering with your ChamberEstablish CLEAR expectationsTime commitmentRoles and responsibilitiesResources needed and provided

“Vol” ManagementInformation and Communication: Sets the tone for the decision to volunteerTraining: sets the tone for the volunteer experienceThree Touch Strategy: before, during and after the volunteer experienceFeedback: Lets volunteersknow they have a vested interest in your chamber

Effective Management = RetentionFollow through on your commitmentsKeep an open line of communicationMake it clear how volunteers can support your chamberMake it easy for them to get involvedMake their experience meaningfulAsk for their feedbackNo duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks. ~James Allen

Quick & Easy Feedback SurveyWould they volunteer again?Did they feel their efforts had a positive impact?Was the event or project well-managed?How were volunteers welcomed?In what ways did the experience meet their expectations or not?

Why recognize?To appreciate them for their work and effortsTo motive them to set and accomplish new goalsTo encourage them so they know what they are doingTo publicize to others different projects, programs and activitiesUltimately, member satisfaction, renewals and referrals!“Appreciation is a wonderful thing; it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”- Voltaire

Creative Recognition TacticsBreakfast of Champion Awards, Chamber Partner, ROSE Award (Recognition of Special Effort), AchieveMINTRegular Volunteer of the Month, Quarter or Annual award and feature (peer recognition)President’s Volunteer Service Awards (100+ hours and must apply with a 501(c)3 FEINSocial media: tag photos, shout outsNotecards: ItTakesTwo.com; PositivePromotions.com; Media Releases: best sent with a photo

Award/Event OpportunitiesCorporate Philanthropy Day (4th Monday in February)Random Acts of Kindness Week (February)National Volunteer Week (April 10-16) Make a Difference Day (4th Saturday in October)National Philanthropy Day (November)

Case Study: Revitalize a CommitteeThis committee (membership segment) has been declining in membership and event participation for the past five years. The committee has struggled recruiting members and getting members to attend regular meetings. Recently, the committee chair and marketing chair resigned due to job changes.The programs for the current year are already planned and the last event is in June, leaving the summer months for planning for next year?What can we do to revitalize this committee and get more volunteers engaged (ultimately more memberships , vent registrations and overall satisfaction)?

Next StepsDon’t panic: stay in regular communication with current committeeResearch: understand the issues internallyBenchmark: with other chambers, associations and NPOsNeeds assessment: surveys of current, former and never-been membersReferrals: Ask team members, board members and other leaders for referrals. Ask former committee members to serve in an advisory capacity.

Additional ResourcesEnergizeInc.comE-volunteerism.orgIdeaList.orgGiraffe.org: people who have the courage to stick their necks out for the common goodCaring-Institute.org: promoted the values of caring, integrity, and public service since 198PointsofLight.org: embraces service and civic engagement as fundamental to a purposeful life and essential to a healthy world.IJOVA.org: International Journal of Volunteer Administration

Effective Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement, presented to Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

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Effective Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement, presented to Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives