Episode 4: Engaging New Volunteers
In episode 4, we talk about engaging new volunteers in person and online, and we share a League of Women Voters activist alert.
Examples of Negative Experience of New Volunteers
- Bad emails
- No communication
- Not asking why they joined and what motivates them
- Not inviting them to join with volunteer opportunities
- Not defining volunteer role
- No connections to other volunteers
Tips to Remember
This Maya Angelou quote is good to remember: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Relationships are being built face-to-face and online.
Examples of Positive Experiences of New Volunteers
- Host a League 101 training.
- Explain volunteer roles clearly.
- Provide meaty and challenging roles (think: resume building).
- The feeling that the activity is worth while.
- Refresher training / regional training / train the trainer workshops.
- Good Communications - if they don’t know an opportunity exists, then it doesn’t exist. It has to be polished and clear.
Tips to Remember:
- Email Tips: Subject Lines are really important. Make is standout!
- Signupgenius.com and SignUp.com - for volunteer notifications.
- MealTrain.com - To organize meals.
- LinkedIn.com to share experiences, help build networks and build online resumes--for your League, it's members and supporters, and you.
- Figure out what social media platforms your community uses. Manage those platforms really well.
- Graphics - if you need help with graphics, check out canva.com.
- Don’t be afraid to send emails and reminders. Have the news be ongoing. This demonstrates how active your League is.
- Recognize volunteer contributions. A great example is from Oregon Bus Project, the “t-shirt that cannot be bought.”
- Use Annual Meetings as a way to highlight the great work your League has done. Celebrate your successes and volunteers! - Tell your volunteers' stories.
Hands-On Tips
- Use the phone to call and text.
- Cluster Mentorship - Have a seasoned League member mentor three or four new members. Build relationships and interest.
- Have a rally on an issue - have a speaker and snacks.
- Host a Sips and Civility event or an event that bring people together to talk about issues that matter in a nonjudgemental, safe space. Help people get to know each other and share their stories. Example from LWV San Diego.
- Civics Game Night. Example from LWV Falls Church VA.
- Twitter Takeover. What Does a Successful Social Media Takeover Look Like? On Classy.com
Activist Alert
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Music by OhmLab.