CAG training event took place on 26th February to help CAG members analyse what they needed volunteers to do, so that they could write a description of the task and discuss why people do or do not volunteer. They then discussed the various methods of how to reach the right target audience and were encourage to plan their recruitment drive.
Some of the ideas that came from the training event are written below:
1. Why do people volunteer? What are the benefits?
There are many reasons people volunteer, some listed below. It is important that you fulfil their needs. E.g. if somebody wants social contact, don't put them in an office on their own filling envelopes!
Some reasons for volunteering may be:
• Looks good on a CV and/or gain work experience
• Passion for what they are doing
• Social contact
• Satisfaction /giving something back
• Good buzz - they get the feel good factor
• Way of keeping fit
2. What do CAGs need volunteers for?
It is important to analyse what CAGs need volunteers for. What activities are you doing now and for what activities volunteers are needed? Also good to look at what the group would do if they got more volunteers - would you do more of the same or branch out into different activities? Try to think outside of the box!
What do you want people to volunteer for?
This is probably the most important point of the workshop: getting groups to be specific as to what they want volunteers to do.
What is the role or task of the volunteer? Write a description of the role.
Decide what you are going to ask people to do. A good idea is to get existing volunteers to look at the role and help write a description
DO NOT USE THE WORD ‘JOB' - keep it clear that you are asking somebody to volunteer.
What are you looking for?
It is important that people feel comfortable volunteering for your group, whether is by physical ability or skill level, so it is important that people know what they are expected to do.
• Do you need somebody to be very active?
E.g. for conservation work - clearing willows, brambles/shrubs/community gardening, litter picking, green waste collections. Explain that there are people who have the training to use the equipment, but need help digging up ragwort, or planting gorse/tree etc.
• Do you need volunteers who are happy to work with people?
Taking part in surveys, helping at a swap shop? It is important to say what is involved in this activity, also whether training will be given - (don't expect people to know what to do)
• Do you need specific skills or experience?
If you need a skilled person, say as treasurer, be specific. If you are looking for somebody to run a climate change workshop they need the skills and experience. Do you need people with skills to write your newsletter or look after a website? Will any training be given, if so let potential volunteers know that.
3 Some ideas why people do not volunteer or do not continue volunteering:
• People have fears (although they won't necessarily say these things)
• People are frightened they may look foolish
• People may lack the specialist knowledge, what does go in those recycling boxes? It is important not to take for granted that everybody is knowledgeable about the aspects of the event that you are holding. Is training or some explanation necessary?
• Not given proper instructions
• Do not know how much time is needed so don't know if they can commit
• Run out of steam/energy
• People's personal circumstances change - important that they can change role within the group
The elements above also hold the key to retaining volunteers
4 How to reach the right target audience?
CAG volunteers may fall into 3 categories:
Core members - decision makers - ideally about 5-6
Main helpers at events - another 6-12
Others interested, on mailing list and help occasionally
Each group has a different level of knowledge and commitment and to recruit volunteers for each section may require a different method.
It is also good to look at your group as a whole and decide what the public perception of your group is.
The 3 main ways of recruiting people are: Targeted, ripple and shotgun
• Targeted messages to specific people - Need to talk to people one to one.
Where will you find theses specific people?
At a CAG event - swap shop, green waste event, road show or exhibition
Libraries or schools, the work place, college, U3A or other after work activity.
• Ripple - one member gets another member, volunteer asks another to volunteer - bring a friend. If all existing members brought one new volunteer then your group would double. Existing members must have details of your group's volunteer role description so that the message remains constant. If you have some literature or a link to a website this might be helpful.
• Shotgun - Just fire out messages, for instance general press releases. This takes a lot of effort but goes beyond normal boundaries and may attract a different type of individual.
5. Retaining Volunteers
Retaining volunteers very much depends on volunteer satisfaction, the benefits and reasons why people do not volunteer, as discussed above. Remember to keep volunteers informed of your group activities; make sure nobody feels left out. Occasional socials work wonders. Offer training, this can be very informal but it is good to look at what the District Councils are offering in the way of recycling facilities and as these change your group needs to be updated. Other organisations like ClimateX, COIN or OCVA may run suitable training courses. Are your volunteers satisfied with what they are doing?
Never take volunteers for granted and thank - thank and thank again.
6. Planning a recruitment drive
It is good to plan your recruitment drive, how you will do it, who will do it and who your targets will be.
• Define what roles need to be filled
• Draw up a role description
• Decide on the right approach for your group/role to be filled
• Make sure you know who is doing what
• Keep cheerful and positive!