Involving Young Volunteers

Added to Do-it knowledge bank on April 14, 2010

People volunteer for a variety of reasons and we're all motivated and inspired in different ways. If you're specifically targeting the 16-25 age group follow these tips to get more young people on board

Recruit

Find young volunteers in places where they are most likely to be:

• Use schools/colleges/universities
• Make links with the support systems that are already in place for this age group, such as Connexions, youth workers and foyers, and get referrals from them
• Use the internet, including social networking sites, and keep these fresh and updated.

Let them know what volunteering has to offer:

• Your language and tone should be youth-friendly and genuine rather than patronising
• The word 'volunteering' maybe discouraging, so think creatively when promoting and sell the opportunity itself or the benefits of being involved
• Be specific, let the volunteer know what they can expect and what they will get in return
• Use your current young volunteers to spread the word and help with marketing.

Involve

Make their opinions matter:

• Ask how they want to be involved and listened to and make sure you act on this
• If you're going to ask for a different point of view ensure you can listen to what's being said and can do something about it
• Make it easy for young volunteers to have a say - let them drop-in, text, email or send in a postcard
• Involve volunteers at different levels; being an ambassador won't suit everyone.

Retaining young volunteers:

• Say a great big thank you even if it is in a small way
• Create plans with the volunteer and make sure they are given the option to progress
• Offer support and supervision; ask them 'how are you getting on?'

Create

Create opportunities that will suit your volunteers:

• Be flexible when creating opportunities and consider creating some short-term or virtual opportunities
• Make the opportunities meaningful and let the volunteer know what difference they'll be making
• Uncover the incentives, sell the experience, the skills they'll gain and the benefits for their CV
• Make it fun - volunteering has to compete with other activities so it must stand out
• Check the volunteer will be entering into a good quality environment and opportunity.

How to specify if the opportunity is suitable for 16 – 25 year olds