Krystal Ladue, Project Coordinator United Way HandsOn Savannah Pride and Purpose: Best Practices for Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Krystal Ladue, Project Coordinator United Way HandsOn Savannah

Topics An examination on volunteerism and its importance Volunteer Administration Best Practices Recruitment Volunteer Supervision Training Retention Strategies towards positive retention

About Us

Who We Are A direct service and department of United Way of the Coastal Empire United Way HandsOn Savannah strives to reach this mission by connecting individuals, families, corporate, and community groups to results-driven service opportunities; mobilizing community volunteers around National and International days of service and recognition; and promoting professionalism in Volunteer Administration by providing free training, consultation and development opportunities for nonprofit professionals responsible for managing volunteers.

What We Do Volunteer Recruitment Internet: www.handsonsavannah.org Social Networks Volunteer Fairs, Civic Groups, Schools & Businesses Recognition and Days of Service 38th Annual Volunteer Recognition & Awards Luncheon Corporate Days of Service MLK Day Global Youth Service Day Make a Difference Day United Way Day of Action Retain Volunteers by providing Ongoing Support & Training Coastal Empire Council Of Volunteer Administrators (COVA) Georgia Association for Volunteer Administration (GAVA) Free Consultations Agency Information Meetings

Corporate Service Projects Our Community at Work Corporate Service Projects KaBOOM! Build MLK Day of Service

About Me! Three-time AmeriCorps Alum Rebuilding Together New Orleans, AmeriCorps VISTA Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, AmeriCorps State & National Points of Light, AmeriCorps VISTA Leader Project Coordinator, United Way HandsOn Savannah Chatham County Organizations Active in Disaster (CCOAD), Vice Chair Georgia Association for Volunteer Administrators (GAVA), Secretary

Volunteers!

Why is Volunteerism Important?

Benefits of Volunteering Increased overall well-being an quality of life Lower mortality rates Greater functional ability Lower rates of depression Reduces stress Individuals that volunteer are more likely to take action for preventative care

Who are Volunteers? Individuals from all backgrounds (students, retirees, etc.) that are willing to dedicate their free time towards a cause Motivations Passion Community-oriented or desire to be part of a group Emotionally-invested Desire to feel needed

“A Sense of Purpose” Benefits of “at-risk” populations Youth Volunteers Keep them in a healthy environment Builds Confidence Senior volunteers Baby-boomer generation Aging Successfully Keeps people from isolation Creates new social “roles” Experienced volunteers Can offset medical interventions

Volunteer Matching and Recruitment— The Marriage between Need and Service

Volunteer Projects and Internal Needs Assessment

Recruitment

Social Media as a Recruitment Tool Facebook Large net of individuals Senior friendly Ability to tag other organizations Quick and easy way to get information out

Instagram Fun and easy to use! Lots of connections through hashtags Great way to get the word out on events Let’s people see what you are doing Lots of #hashtag days to promote your org (#motivationmonday, #wonderfulwednesday)

Twitter Large network Easy to give shout-outs to other organizations and individuals Cross-posts and retweets to get the word out #hashtags to join groups and communities together

Performance Management

Training

“Retention Strategies for Today’s Volunteers” Understand and meet people’s needs Be a matchmaker Set people up for success See volunteers as customers Designate a volunteer resource professional Maintain a positive organizational climate Welcome diversity Be flexible Don’t burn people out Recognize contributions Remember why they volunteer

Positive Reinforcement

Retention: Evaluate! 90 Day or Exit Surveys

Questions?

Sources “Leveraging Knowledge from Human Resources to Manage Volunteer Resources”, DOVIA Presentation 03/15/13 Megan N. Vixie, MPA, CVA, PHR, SHRM-CP Director of Human Resources Beach Cities Health District “Human Resource Management and Volunteer Engagement: Tensions and Opportunities,” SERVICEUNITES Conference on Volunteering and Service 10/20/15 Megan N. Vixie, MPA, CVA, PHR, SHRM-CP Katie Campbell, CVA “Adjust your thinking: Shifting the focus on volunteer retention.” Donna Lockhart, 07/14/08