Mastering Volunteer Recruitment - The 5A Method Explained

Volunteer recruitment – Sounds like the answer to all our organisational prayers, right? If only we had more people! But before we dive headfirst into the enticing world of bringing new people on board, let's hit the pause button and really ponder what it entails. Because, truth be told, more volunteers mean more than just more hands to get more work done. It means more expectations, more diversity, more admin, and definitely more coordination. In essence, it inevitably will mean more work.

So, if your organisation is grappling with burnout issues among existing volunteers and staff, is recruitment truly the golden ticket you seek? Are you equipped to handle the influx of new recruits and all the groundwork it demands?

Before you answer, let me share a story. I've worked with numerous organisations where the excitement of recruiting new volunteers was palpable, only to realise that there were a few housekeeping tasks to tackle first. Sometimes, nurturing existing volunteers and addressing their challenges simply had to take precedence over expansion. Like preparing the soil before we plant to ensure the seedling can thrive, we must get our house in order before we bring new folks in, or the whole thing may well collapse.

So, my advice? Take a deep breath and assess your readiness before embarking on the volunteer recruitment journey. But if you're nodding vigorously, saying, "Yes, Kim, we're up for the challenge!" then buckle up because I'm thrilled to introduce you to the 5A approach to volunteer recruitment.

The 5A Method to Volunteering

Activity: Define Your Needs

The first step in the 5A method is to nail down precisely what you're recruiting for. Get granular about the activities, tasks, and roles you need volunteers to undertake. How do these align with your organisation's strategic or business plan? Clarity here is key to crafting targeted recruitment efforts.

Audience: Know Your Targets

Next up - identifying your potential volunteers. Who are they? What groups or demographics might be inclined to join to deliver the type of tasks and roles you are seeking? By narrowing down your audience, you can tailor your messaging and outreach strategies to resonate with specific segments effectively.

Ask: Make It Personal

Now, onto the big ask. This step is all about personalisation and individual Engagement. Aim for one-on-one conversations whenever possible. Understand the psychology behind making a compelling ask and prepare to navigate the delicate art of inviting someone to join your cause. How we ask matters and can make a difference in whether people say yes or no or, even worse, say yes but then don't show up.

Action: Facilitate Engagement

Once you've secured a commitment, it's time for action. Ensure that the onboarding process is smooth and that both parties understand what they're bringing to the table. What will they give, what will they get? Remember this needs to be a mutually beneficial equation. Foster a welcoming environment within your organisation, where new volunteers feel valued and integrated from the get-go.

Allies: Cultivate Long-Term Relationships

Lastly, think beyond mere volunteer retention. Instead, aim to cultivate allies – individuals who champion your organisation's mission in the long run. Consider the lifetime value of a supporter and explore ways to engage volunteers beyond their initial stint, transforming them into ambassadors for your cause. Can we get rid of this outdated thinking around retaining volunteers at all costs, please, and get real about the fact that people's involvement will change over time and with the seasons of their lives?

If you're keen to dive into the 5A Method, we have a freebie to help you tackle some of its ideas and put them into action.

And remember, it's not just about filling roles; it's about building a community of passionate advocates who propel your organisation's mission forward. How you approach your volunteering will make a world of difference to your organisation's capacity to create real change.

Grab your freebie here

https://www.theforeveragenda.com.au/5Avolunteerrecruitmentfreebie