Orientation within Recruitment Activities

What Do We Want?

• More Volunteers

What Do We REALLY Want?

• Volunteers that:– Know the details about our program and

want to be a part of it– Understand the volunteer program’s tie to

and role within Extension, and support Extension’s mission

– Understand and agree with our policies– Will be positive contributors to our group

Orientation within Recruitment

• All of our recruitment efforts should have a purposeful dose of orientation within them

• Facilitates knowledgeable volunteers

• Raises awareness and appreciation

One Specific Technique

• An informational meeting for people interested in joining your volunteer program

• A informal, group meeting focusing on the program’s purpose and requirements

Preparing for the Meeting• Keep a contact list of interested

people• Secure the meeting facility• Mail or email folks to give the details

of the informational meeting• Encourage current volunteers to

attend

The Meeting Facility

• Needs to accommodate:– A large crowd– A laptop, projector and screen– A display area for posters and/or

publications– A refreshment area (if desired)

Conducting the Meeting

• Main focus: attendees learning about the program & interacting with current volunteers

• Ensure a non-threatening atmosphere with no pressure and no immediate commitment

Conducting the Meeting

• Volunteer resource administrator should speak

• A volunteer leader within the program should speak

Conducting the Meeting• Have a question/answer time

• Tell participants what will happen next (communication, deadlines, etc…)

• Allow time for potential volunteers to mingle with current volunteers

Outcomes from the Meeting• Some folks will join our volunteer

group!– This is GREAT!

• Some folks will not join our group!– This is great, too!

Outcomes from the Meeting

• Reinforcing of fundamental program concepts to current volunteers

• Efficient use of our time

• Advocacy and Awareness of Extension