Recruiting Volunteers

[mrhenniger]

I just got off the phone with the President of Project North Star. We were discussing how an organization like ours (http://www.projectnorthstar.ca/aboutus.htm) goes about recruiting people with the skills needed. We are not just looking for people with aircraft maintenance/construction experience, but could also use support volunteers in support roles, like recruiting, fundraising, scheduling, etc.

I know there are a number of organizations out their like ours. Many of whom have members contributing to WIX. Hence I thought I would raise this subject here.

I would very much like to know what your organization has done in the past to recruit volunteers that works. Just as importantly I would like to know what doesn't work. What gets a potential recruit's attention? Where do you go to find the recruits for volunteering? As a potential recruit (for any restoration type project not just PNS) what do you look for in an organzation that you may considering offering your volunteer services?

I would very much like everyone to speak up here.

The reason I am asking is that I am documenting a recruiting procedure for PNS and I am pushing for the members of the board of directors and the Chrew Chiefs to think about all the skills that are needed so we can build a comprehensive list, and perhaps post on our website.

Regards,

Mike

[Downunder]

Hi all,
From a volunteers point of view, I think it's important to maintain momentum with a project so volunteers can see the changes they are making. Enthusiasm quickly dissipates when nothing happens for long periods of time.I think the project needs to be well planned by the organisers before recruiting begins or at least say to potential recruits, in X amount of weeks/months your services will be required.And keep them informed of whats going on even if they have other commitments and can't help for a time. This may keep their interest up in the project and they will return to help when they are available.

I'm not a volunteer,just my thoughts....
[/u]

[mrhenniger]

I'm not a volunteer,just my thoughts....

Thank-you very much. This is just the sort of think I was looking for in terms of intput.

Now... As Rob pointed out, being featured in the local paper or on the local TV station, is just the kind of exposure we will be lookin for. However, as a potential volunteer would the newspaper article be enough to hook you in? I had expressed a concern to our President that without a page on our website listing the needed skills, someone might not take that step to pick up the phone and call. So I thought a "We Need You!" link on our home page linking to a page listing the particular skills were are looking for might help to convince someone the could make a contribution to the project. What do you think? What would hook you in?

Mike

[bdk]

What would hook you in?

What hooked me in was a presentation on the Flying Wing that Planes of Fame made to my university.

That brought to my attention a few pertinent facts:

a) they had a project (they were restoring the N9M at the time)
b) they needed volunteers
c) the museum could use a volunteer with my skill set
d) a point of contact

With those four points of information I realized that I could be of some value. Until that time I never would have known how to get involved.

I guess my point is that you have to educate the public. People that aren't interested still won't care, but those that are interested have the information they need to take the fist step.

Information on the above four points needs to be on the website and at a prominent place in the museum. I would think that most museum visitors these days figure that the only interest a museum has in them is fundraising (at least that's the case once you join- the solicitations are endless at some museums!). The public doesn't usually get to see what happens behind the curtain.

[mrhenniger]

a) they had a project (they were restoring the N9M at the time)
b) they needed volunteers
c) the museum could use a volunteer with my skill set
d) a point of contact

With those four points of information I realized that I could be of some value. Until that time I never would have known how to get involved.

I guess my point is that you have to educate the public. People that aren't interested still won't care, but those that are interested have the information they need to take the fist step.

Thanks Brandon. A public event is a fantastic way to get attention. Did the PoF have signs/notices saying they were looking for volunteers? Did they somehow highlight the skills they were looking for to the public? You point is very well taken making these four points visible on the website.

Regards,

Mike

[bdk]

Did the PoF have signs/notices saying they were looking for volunteers? Did they somehow highlight the skills they were looking for to the public?

They didn't then, but I think they have a sign now.