It can be difficult to build a volunteer base. Even if you have an established group of regular volunteers, more are usually needed! With the help of some inspiration, you can begin to attract more new volunteers to your organisation and volunteer programs. 

Create a Buzz

If you can add an element of fun, through a competition or a family event day, for example, this will generate excitement for volunteers. Although handing out leaflets is an effective way to portray information, there will not be much intrigue. A build-up to an event or prize draw encourages involvement and discussion. Fostering a sense of community is crucial for many volunteer-involved organisations. 

Competitions are a great way to discover new volunteers. Competitions can be lighthearted or more meaningful. A competition that relates to your organisation’s purpose can be a form of volunteer induction, helping them to understand what, why and how you do what you do. For example, if you are a museum, you could run a photography competition for your museum and its collections. Potential volunteers will be inspired to visit and take an interest in what your organisation has to offer. Congratulate your entrants on their competition efforts and they will be more likely to offer their time as a volunteer. 

Inventive Opportunity Titles

Keep it simple with a funny or interesting opportunity title. For volunteers who are already navigating your TeamKinetic site, this will break up their browsing by attracting attention. Pique their interest and provide a sense of the opportunity, then give clarity through the opportunity description.

See the difference for yourself under the opportunity summary! Measure the click rate of opportunities with more versus less inventive opportunity titles.

Build your Brand Image

Sustaining a reputable name for your organisation takes maintenance! Ensure that your organisation has a personality and voice both online and offline. With an effectively communicated brand image, your organisation will stand out and become recognisable to prospective volunteers. 

Let people get to know your existing volunteers. Case studies, volunteer ‘profiles’ or interviews are a great way to show appreciation for your existing volunteers whilst connecting with potential volunteers. This humanises your organisation and gives credibility to your volunteering opportunities. Honesty and transparency are key!

Create conversation on social media. Pose questions or give advice for your audience to engage with. Social media can be far-reaching, as your community responds, their connections will be exposed to your content, and so on. Your social pages are also a great place to feature volunteering opportunities. After creating an opportunity on your TeamKinetic site, there is an option to ‘Share’ to multiple channels including your organisation’s social media accounts under the ‘Promote’ tab on the left-hand toolbar. If your opportunities are reflective of your organisation, your social media accounts will also accurately portray your brand image. As a result, you will attract the right kind of volunteers. For more advice on signposting your TeamKinetic site via social media, click here.

Develop Partnerships

Working with external partners helps to attract more volunteers. For example, the Liverpool City Region Volunteering Hub uses its TeamKinetic site to link volunteers from across the Liverpool City Region. Partners include One Knowsley and Halton and St Helens VCA. All the above tips can be used, just on a wider scale! Every organisation within your partnership can engage with new and existing volunteers. 

If you are not currently in partnership with other organisations, you can link out of your TeamKinetic provider page. Link with local community groups and organisations and attract more volunteers to your TeamKinetic site. Volunteers who currently engage with your partnered organisations will be exposed to your opportunities too.

Before you can recruit volunteers you need to find them! These simple tips can boost your community and volunteer base.

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