Increasing Volunteer Engagement

I’ve been racking my brain lately about the Pareto principle and how to engage the 80%. While I have come up with no concrete solutions… I did realize that I speak about the 80/20 principle as fact. (Which may be in economics (A topic I am completely unqualified to discuss.)) However, in terms of volunteerism and participation, the 80/20 rule is more perception than reality.
It’s easy to blame the 80% who aren’t involved but it’s nearly impossible to identify them. Perhaps that’s because the more opportunities available, the more times this rule repeats itself. The 20% of each group, club, council or activity, keeps seeing the same 80% who aren’t involved and blames them for not helping out. Little do they realize, they are highly involved in another activity and looking at them thinking the same thing.
I hear the same complaint in a number of the groups I serve within the same organization; The older generations thinks the younger ones don’t volunteer. The younger generations think the reverse. The social group is interchangeable, each one thinking the others aren’t involved and feeling that they alone are keeping the ship afloat. The reality is that when you’re wrapped up in a 20% serving a particular interest, it’s difficult to see the forest through the trees.
So perhaps the solution is to stop focusing on the negative, and increase the effect positive. But to say “do more with less” is a scary proposition. In terms of volunteers, this can be applied by multiplying the power within the few we have. So what can organizations do to promote opportunities and get volunteers to commit?
1: Honest Expectations
Volunteers want to know ahead of time what they are getting into. They will be easily interested in committees that align with their passions. But if they don’t know what’s expected of them, they will be terrified. Job descriptions are daunting and outlining every task a club or organization performs is just plain boring. Nevertheless, you have to get your information out there right? Consider shaking up the way your opportunities are presented - Take a tip from board training classes and promote yourself by categorizing the expectations of each committee as well as outlining the interest it serves. Does the committee roll up their sleeves a work? Meet and plan, or simply advise? What interest does it appeal to, what talents does it draw on? Organize this information in an easy to understand fashion and promote in in multiple places.
2: Identify Your Supporters Talents
This is tricky, especially in larger organizations. But a volunteer who is in the wrong position will perform at half the capacity of someone who is in the right one. A little background work to identify potential leads will assist you in identifying stronger candidates. Social media is an excellent tool for non-profits when it comes to learning more about their supporters. Of course, Facebook is a great way to engage but consider browsing member’s Linked in profiles… You will find professional resumes, past experiences and interests outlined right at your fingertips.
3: Re-think Your Promotions
Volunteer fairs are difficult. After all, how many people are sitting around thinking “I want to give more of my free-time?” But your message needs to be delivered to a captive audience. Do you have other events that you can use to promote your opportunities? School performances, educational lectures, cross promoting at group meetings… the opportunities exist; you just have to get creative. I mean face it; the people aren’t coming to you, so you’ll have to come to them.
4: Engage Smarter
Here comes the hardest part… The ask! Remember, you’ve already identified this person as a good fit, so complement them, tell them why you’re asking… “Hey, I noticed you_____.” Ask them questions that curtail their ability to say “I’m busy.” Whatever means you’re comfortable with… the idea is to present them with questions that lead them to saying yes. Do a little research and find out the reasons people are involved and be prepared to have that conversation with the person.
5: Thank You, Thank You, THANK YOU!
Volunteers need to feel appreciated. Be sure to thank them and not a generic, “hey thanks for showing up.” But a genuine, “you did a great job with ______, Thank you.” Emphasis their talents, tell them exactly why you appreciate them. Their positive attitude will shine through and make them want to come back for more.