LEARN TO LEAD - Civil Air Patrol

animals need the support of people who care. As a volunteerrecruiter it is your job to enroll people into knowingthey are that person who cares, give them incentives tovolunteer, and point out exactly how they are capable ofhelping.Your Program’s History, Culture, and CauseBefore you begin to recruit, be sure you understand yournational service program’s history, culture, and cause. Youshould be able to answer the following questions:• How do we typically use our volunteers (committedor not, mostly service days, randomly or regularly)?• Which programs are successful? Which are/were not?• With whom have we collaborated? Which of thoseunions were successful?• Which were not?• What publicity, good or bad, has our program receivedthat may affect our recruitment efforts?• Can we speak knowledgeably about our program’smission/cause?• Do we feel comfortable speaking to how the projectsof the national service program will help achieve themission?• Can we clearly articulate to volunteers how theirwork will contribute to the program’s mission and goals?• Is our workplace open and friendly to volunteers?• Would we recommend volunteering in our programto close friends and family? Why or why not?Determining Volunteer NeedsEffective volunteer recruitment begins with a volunteerprogram that is well planned and executed and that offersmeaningful work. Program staff should clarify the workthat needs to be done to achieve the goals of the project/program and then segment that work into componentsthat reflect the reality of today’s work force.You will need to consider the type(s) of volunteers youneed for your project or program. Think beyond your traditionalvolunteer base. Do you need someone with manyhours to devote to the project, or people who want toserve only one afternoon? Is the project appropriate forchildren, seniors, or other people with different abilitiesand needs? Some trends and groups to consider include:Long-term volunteeringLong-term service provides volunteers the opportunity tocommit to a project or program that spans an extendedperiod of time.Short-term/episodic volunteeringEpisodic volunteer opportunities include those that are ofshort duration and those that occur at regular intervals,such as annual events.Family volunteeringFamily volunteering provides volunteers the opportunityto participate in meaningful service while spending timewith their families.Student volunteeringThrough volunteering with schools and youth groups,young people gain valuable knowledge and skills.InternshipsThrough internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships,students gain valuable experience while serving the communityservice organization.Virtual volunteeringVirtual volunteering allows anyone to contribute timeand expertise without ever leaving his or her home.For many volunteer opportunities, you can work with anadvisory team or conduct a survey to identify volunteerassignments that will help advance the goals of the program.If you are working on a specific service project, you candetermine your volunteer needs through developing atask list. Consider what you want to accomplish and thetasks needed; then create a comprehensive list of the assignmentsand the number of volunteers needed for eachtask.Volunteer Position DescriptionsThe volunteer position description is a helpful tool. Itoutlines responsibilities, support, and benefits of specificvolunteer opportunities. It also strengthens your recruitmentefforts because it defines the assignment, skills, abilities,and interests necessary to perform the task successfully.A volunteer position description should include thefollowing components:TitleProvide a descriptive title that gives the volunteer asense of identity. This will also help program staff andother volunteers understand the assigned role.Purpose/objectiveUse no more than two sentences to describe the specificpurpose of the position. If possible, state the purposein relation to the nonprofit’s mission and goals.LocationDescribe where the person will be working.Key responsibilitiesList the position’s major responsibilities. Clearly definewhat the volunteer is expected to do as part ofthis assignment.47