Step 4: Build a Volunteer Network

Purpose: To develop a network of individual volunteer at CAP

a.    Design volunteer activities and position description.

Volunteer job description should specifically outline the responsibilities of each volunteer. It should also describe the requirements and skills needed in a volunteer.

Below are suggested items for volunteer’s job description.

• Position title
• Work location
• Responsibilities
• Qualification
• Commitment required

b.   Volunteer Recruitment

Carefully recruit individuals who are appropriate for the job. Be honest about the work required for the project.

Where to recruit volunteers:

• High Schools
• Colleges
• Job training program
• Retired executive organization
• Religious groups
• Senior centers
• Service organization

c.  CAP could be interested in skills and talents that   

Participants could offer

• Is there a plumber who might offer to fix a leaking pipe, an electrician to help wire the center?
• Are there people already skilled in specific skill areas or certain computer technologies who can serve as volunteers?
• Are there unemployed or elderly community members who would contribute reception service or childcare
• What other skills are available as resources to the start-up and on-going operation of the CTC?

d. Keep volunteer interested

Volunteer retention requires a great deal of attention.

• Keep them feel good—Provide them the tools they need and an appropriate workplace for the job
• Keep good records— Keep an updated list of volunteers. Keep track the best time to reach them, their interests and the best time for them to work. Add the volunteers to the mailing list to update them on events in CAP
• Respect their work—Even though these individuals are not paid staff, their ideas and perspectives are important.
• Keep them challenged—Help volunteers acquire new skills. Give them tasks that will help with the success of the CAP
• Don’t overwork them—make sure time expectations are clearly understood at the beginning of the project. Volunteers pressured to do more work than they anticipated doing might feel resentful and cease to volunteer in the future.
• Say Thank you—Recognizing the work of your volunteers goes a long way toward keeping them’
  

Sample Volunteer Application

Name: ________________________________

Address:_______________________________

Phone: ________________________________

Email:_________________________________

Check the volunteer work you are interested in doing (check all that apply):

a.  ______ b. _______ c.__________ d._____________

Available hours:

Morning.    Afternoon.          Evenings.        Weekends.          Special Events

How often would you like to volunteer?

• Regularly. How many hours per week? ______
• Periodically. How many hours per month? ______
• Work on a one-time or short-term project.

Do you speak a language other than English?

. Yes (Please specify): ____________. No

Employment or volunteer history: __________________________

______________________________________________________ 

References: ____________________________________________

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