This is the first in a blog series about kidmin recruiting.
When we typically think about recruiting volunteers we tend to first think of “getting people in”. But, I think a real key is to also focus a whole lot of energy on creating a volunteer culture where:
a) people enjoy what they are doing
b) people want to come back (more who come back, the more consistent your team, the fewer you have to recruit)
c) the people you are recruiting hear about and see a culture that they would enjoy serving in.
What does a place where volunteers want to be look like? The list could be exhaustive, but here are a few:
- Their basic needs are met: Basic needs could include safety (are you putting them alone in a room with 30 three year olds or with wobbly furniture or with no sick policy to keep the swine flu out?), comfort (are rooms too hot/cold, do they have to stand the whole time or do something else that wears them out unnecessarily?), still able to be a normal church person (do they get relieved in a timely manner so they can go to worship or home?) Volunteers might tolerate some of these things for a short amount of time, but not forever.
- They can see the bigger picture: When volunteers understand how what they are doing impacts the kingdom of God. If their perception of their role is to just survive through the hour and keep everyone alive with maybe a clean diaper, they probably won’t last long. Share with your peeps the value of sharing God’s love with even the smallest kiddos. I love how ReThink phrases that their First Look curriculum is the first chance to make a lasting impression on preschooler’s hearts. THAT is a vision volunteers can connect with.
- They are appreciated: Appreciation goes far beyond saying thank you or giving appreciation trinkets, though those things are great. Volunteers know they are truly appreciated when you make their job as easy as possible, you make sure they have what they need, you have open lines of communication, and you solve problems for them quickly.
- They know they are needed: No one wants to waste their time. Clearly define jobs and clarify why their role is essential. Communicate how much you value them and their contribution to the team. If you treat someone like a name that fills a blank, that is all they will be.
- BE FUN – Grown up world has enough boring in it. Make your environments, your meetings, your experiences fun for grown ups and for kids.
What do you do to create a volunteer-friendly culture?
One thing I started doing recently was write thank you notes for certain volunteers each weekend. I would stick it in a place where it would be the first thing they see when they come in that morning. It’s just a little extra thing I can do that let’s them know I care. The personal touch goes a long way.
Thanks, Josh! You are absolutely right. Anything we can do to help volunteers know that we truly care about THEM and not just that they are a warm body is golden. Great job!