Tips on Recruiting Volunteers for Your Member-based Organization

By Holly Koenig, NYSAE CEO

Volunteers are the lifeblood of associations and professional societies.  I have yet to manage a group that has not struggled with recruiting and maintaining active volunteers from its membership base at some point. There is a trend of unrealistic expectations. We can’t expect results just because we posted a volunteer form on the website or placed sign-up sheets on our membership table.  It really does take a bit more effort – but it’s not as hard as you may think. Your members are more likely to say yes to volunteering when they receive a personal ask as well as an acknowledgement after they produce good work. Members want to be invited, and they want to learn about the commitment expectations from a peer, another member who has volunteered. Here are four tips on recruiting volunteers for your trade group or professional society:

1. JUST ASK! Every chance you get.  Anytime you’re on the phone with a member, remember to ask. Does your Board President or Committee Chair conduct welcome remarks during your events? Include a mention about volunteering and don’t forget a call to action, i.e. “…See Bill over there in the corner when we break!” Consider adding a volunteer sign-up on the membership dues invoice.
2. USE YOUR BOARD AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS! Send your leadership the list of new and renewed members with an easy to follow email template.  Direct them to send personal asks, “Thanks for renewing – now how about getting involved on the Awards Committee?” Consider recruitment of volunteers as part of the Board criteria and expectations.
3. ACKNOWLEDGE THEM! When members see their peers being recognized and appreciated, they are more likely to understand the value and rewards of volunteering themselves. Take all opportunities to thank your volunteers at various times of the year (i.e. during the annual meeting, listed on your website, social media shoutouts, in your newsletters) and consider special certificates of appreciation.
4. A VOLUNTEER RELATIONS CHAIR. Do you have someone on your Board with a friendly disposition, flexibility with time and also understands the governance structure of your organization? If so, assign this person to serve as liaison to all committees, working closely with Chairs to recruit volunteers and match skillsets with committee needs. It is truly a perfect role for a past President.

When your members volunteer, they are more engaged with the organization and will be more likely to renew their membership dues. As you start succession planning for next year’s Board of Directors, you will be glad you cultivated a group of active volunteers.