Volunteer Retention – Keep Them Coming Back for More
What kind of experience would you have if you didn't know where to park, couldn't find the check in tent, encountered staff that did not know what was going on and wandered aimlessly thru the experience not sure if you were in the right place or doing the right thing? Not a very good one I suspect, and not one you would do again. You should always have the following set up and easy for your volunteers to navigate:
- Communication: Send out emails or post your information before the event. Where do they go, when, where do they park, where should they sign in, what should they bring? Is there a rain out plan? What information do they need to make it to your site successfully and prepared?
- Signage: Have visible, legible signs directing volunteers to parking and sign in areas. Make your sign in area visible with either a colorful pop up tent or banner.
- Paperwork: Make sure you have all the paperwork needed for sign in. Sign in sheets (be sure to collect contact information and signatures if including legal verbiage), waivers, photo releases, assignment sheets, etc. Volunteers will need a place to fill out the paperwork so bring plenty of tables and chairs to set up as needed. Don't forget the pens!
- Waivers: Waivers are always recommended for liability purposes. This information can be on a separate sheet of paper or in the verbiage at the top of your sign in sheet.Check with legal counsel before finalizing your waiver.
- Photo Release: A photo release is also recommended, especially for minors. People should understand that you may take their photo during the event and share it on your website or social media. Give them the opportunity to decline.This verbiage can also be placed on the top of your sign in sheet or placed on a separate page.
We have examples of paperwork, photo releases, waivers and communication on our Affiliate Resources page, as well as within each cleanup like Fall Sweep.
- Supplies: Make sure you have all supplies and materials needed to do the project. If volunteers need to bring anything of their own (gloves or tools), you should communicate this before the event. Snacks and hydration are encouraged. Be prepared for those that may have forgotten their sunscreen or bug spray. Having some on hand is a nice courtesy.
- Staff: Make sure there is a staff member or organization representative to help the volunteers. This designated person or people should be able to provide instructions, materials and assistance to the volunteers to at least get them started on the project.
- Have a plan: Don't ask for 100 volunteers if it will only take ten to do the job. Make sure you have something for everyone to do. Spread out the work. Don't send 20 people to the same area if there is not that much work or trash to handle.The easiest way to lose a volunteer is to make them feel unneeded and/or bored.
- Thank you!: Make sure you thank your volunteers; before, during and after the event.Follow up with a thank you through email, on social media or other outlets.You can also send more personal notes and messages to special volunteers or groups that were involved. Recognition and thanks are important keys to retention.
Related Posts
By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://www.ktb.org/