Went to a great talk this week given by Lani Evans (Co-Ordinator with Volunteering Otago). Lani talked about attracting young volunteers to your organisation.
Lani spoke about the importance of ’scafolding’ volunteering opportunites for young people. This means offering a range of experiences; from short, low commitment opportunties (a couple of hours to one day) to higher ones. Introducing young people to Volunteering at a low level builds comfort with you and your agency and leads to greater connection with your mission. Young volunteers who have a good experience at this low level are more likely to continue with your agency.
I’ve brainstormed some ideas about what these low level possibilities could be. Would any of these suit your agency or do you have other ideas to share?
- Get them to do a mailout providing a half-time break with nice food (offers social connection with a reward)
- Set up a half-day event with entertainment and fun stuff to do in the breaks
- If you have an event planned get young people to publicise this using txting and facebook
- Get them to make products for fundraising e.g. bath bombs, bookmarks, cards. Maybe this could be something they could do in a group (yet again with a half-time break and food)
- There are many artistic young people, maybe they could design something for you.
- Come up with list of jobs suitable for holidays (many young people only have term breaks and the big xmas break to do volunteer work)
Look forward to your feedback. Have a good week.
Cindy.
Posted by cindycarmichael 