Review of the importance of a good volunteer recruitment strategy and how to retain the volunteers you recruit

1. Recruitment and Retention of Volunteers Presentation to: LTC Ombudsman TrainingApril 1, 2009

2. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Volunteers To volunteer is to choose to act in recognition of a need, with an attitude of social responsibility and without concern for monetary profit, going beyond one’s basic obligations.

3. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Volunteers Why do you want volunteers?

4. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Volunteers What are some “first choice” reasons to have volunteers?

5. Cabinet for Health and Family Services First Choice Credibility because they are unsalaried Receiving assistance from a volunteer makes a difference to the recipient Volunteers are “insider/outsiders” Volunteers extend your sphere of influence

6. Cabinet for Health and Family Services First Choice Volunteers bring the luxury of focus. Volunteers can approach an assignment with less pressure and stress Volunteers are always “private citizens” and can more freely contact legislators and the media.

7. Cabinet for Health and Family Services First Choice Volunteers do not save you money.

8. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Volunteers Why do you want volunteers?

9. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Recruitment is the 3rd Step Step 1 – Determining why you want volunteers? Step 2 – Developing valuable volunteer assignments and writing position descriptions.

10. Cabinet for Health and Family Services The Third Step Task A – Brainstorm potential sources of people for each position description you developed. Task B – For each potential source select the most appropriate technique to communicate your message.

11. Cabinet for Health and Family Services The Third Step Task C – Do it! Go out and ask people to volunteer. Task D – Be prepared for applicants to contact you by having a welcoming system for interviewing, screening and putting new volunteers to work

12. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Additional Tasks Analyze the image of your organization in the community Examine the other related images that affect volunteer recruitment Consider the trends and issues in the field of volunteerism today

13. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Place Volunteers Screen applicants Place in appropriate positions

14. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Orient and Train Volunteers Difference between orientation and training

15. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Supervise and Recognize Person to report directly to Evaluations of performance Appropriate recognition relies on knowing what motivates the volunteer

16. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Evaluate the Entire Program To justify existence/funding To get a sense of accomplishment To be able to answer questions of staff, board members and funders

17. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Credit From the Top Down – The Executive Role in Volunteer Program Success The Volunteer Recruitment Book Both by Susan J. Ellis and available through the KCCVS Lending Library

18. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Contact Us for Additional Info KY Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service 275 E Main Street 3W-E Frankfort, KY 40621 800-239-7404 www.volunteerky.ky.gov