One of the benefits of operating a nonprofit organization is the ability to access free talent. Volunteers are many times the backbone to many nonprofit organizations. This is especially true when the organization is in its infancy and has limited financial bandwidth. However, many leaders find it hard to attract helpful volunteers or to retain them.

Below are a few tips to help engage volunteers:

1. Have an organizational vision

Write the vision for the organization or program. Make the vision plain. Let volunteers know what the big picture is and how they contribute to the big picture. It helps when people are able to make the connection of how what they are doing is connected to the overall success of the organization. Most people volunteer because they want to help.

2. Know what you want the volunteers to do

Actually, sit down and think about what you want the volunteers to do. Create a position description that includes the following items:

• A brief description of the organization
• The overall objective of the position
• A list of duties and responsibilities
• Key qualifications

You can do a search online for similar positions and see what is listed on their job descriptions.

A great place to post position descriptions for volunteers is VolunteerMatch.

3. Provide effective training

Develop a training program for all volunteers. Volunteers should participate in some type of orientation.  Volunteers learn about the organization’s mission, staff members, operations procedures for volunteering, and any important information that all volunteers should know to be successful as a volunteer. In addition to the initial broad information for all volunteers, there should be an onboarding process that helps volunteers successfully fulfill their specific role. This is additional training and information provided to each volunteer that is position specific.

4. Communicate clearly and often

Communicate anywhere from once a week to once a month, depending on how frequently volunteers engage with the organization.

What should you communicate?

• The next time the volunteers are scheduled to volunteer
• Any changes in the organization
• Upcoming events
• Appreciation for their contribution
• A short quote or story of inspiration or encouragement, especially related to the mission of the organization or program

5. Provide direction and give room for creativity

Provide direction on the task to be handled. Try to be as clear as possible leaving little ambiguity.  To the degree that it’s possible, give room for the volunteers to take initiative and add value.

6. Create a “team” atmosphere

Create an open door policy so that your volunteers feel comfortable talking to the staff. Make sure whoever is managing volunteers has a friendly disposition and is knowledgeable about the organization and program. Provide resources to allow team members to communicate with other team members and staff easily.

7. Show appreciation

There are a number of ways to show appreciation. Everyone’s language of how they feel appreciated is different. However, there are some key ways to let your volunteers know that you value their contribution.

• Give recognition – writing a card or displaying a volunteer appreciation board or some ways to give recognition
• Communicate impact – most people volunteer because they want to help. Let the volunteers know regularly how their contribution is really helping the mission of the organization.