A wise person once famously said, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.”

While most of us think of going on a job interview, or date, when we hear this phrase, it also applies to organisations in the nonprofit sector. Many times, it is the would-be volunteer that first makes direct contact with a charity or association. This is your organisation’s time to shine, and make a good first impression. What impression are you making with your organisation’s volunteer materials?

Are you sending a message that your NFP is an organisation that values your volunteers as well as its mission? Are you sending the message that your organisation offers volunteers the potential for growth and that there is room for advancement? In other words, you already know what volunteers do for your organisation, how critical they are to its success and long term viability, but, do your volunteers know what you can do for them over time?

Recruiting from Within

Recruiting volunteers is not just about getting enough physical bodies on board to get the work done. It’s about finding the right people, with just the right talents and skills, and convincing them to come share your organisation’s journey as you work together to fulfill your mission and help others. It’s about relationships and people. Often, the work is hard, but it can also be fulfilling, and even fun!

Everyone literally wins when your volunteers continue to commit their time and effort to your cause over a long period of time. Even though they receive little, if any compensation, volunteers acquire more expertise the longer that they hold a position. They become more successful at a myriad of tasks, including advocacy on behalf of your cause. Since they become so connected with so many aspects of your organisation over time, it is often best to promote your leaders from your pool of volunteers.

For most organisations, it is also a terrible loss when their volunteers move on, so NFPs should seek ways to constantly remind volunteers that there is room for advancement and even potential for leadership development and other roles the longer that they continue to devote their time and talents to your cause.

From your business cards, to your volunteer applications, and even your group’s job descriptions of roles and responsibilities, each is an opportunity to provide that gentle nudge of encouragement to your volunteers to at least consider accepting a position of leadership.

Get Your Handy Volunteer Materials Checklist

Over on the Wild Apricot Blog, there is a helpful checklist that can help you revamp your volunteer materials so that each document becomes a touch point for volunteers. The download provides helpful tips so that it’s easy to make your organisation’s opportunities for leadership and development more visible. Be certain to check it out today!