Engaging Volunteers Effectively - Summertime Volunteering Tips

Summer is just around the corner so it's time to start thinking about different ways to engage volunteers. Check out our tips to continue engaging your volunteers during this time of the year.

Is your opportunity too HOT to handle?
If you've been in southern Nevada during the summertime you know it not only gets hot but it gets HOT. Many people stay indoors or head to the pool to find relief. This doesn't mean people won't venture into the heat to help your organization. In order to address volunteers concerns, consider adding a note to your posting for the summer with perks like "opportunity is indoors with AC or ice cold water available for all volunteers". Perhaps you could consider allowing knee length shorts or other cool clothing options when the temperature hits triple digits.

But what about vacation time?
There will always be opportunities that need a truly dedicated volunteer that is willing to show up on a set schedule but the summertime may not be the best time to look for that special volunteer. During the summer many volunteers go on vacations so consider what types of needs does your organization have that could be completed during a one time opportunity. Do you have a storage room that needs to be sorted that could be done in one day or what about a special client BBQ and activity day that volunteers could help out with on one evening? One time or short term opportunities will be easier to fill around volunteers summer schedules but still bring you the opportunity to engage new volunteers in your organizations mission and goals. Plus with many people coming to southern Nevada to vacation you may even be able to engage out of town volunteers and expose them to an opportunity they'll go home and tell all their friends about.

Could a family volunteer with your organization?With school out some families may be looking to volunteer together. Are there any opportunities within your organization that would benefit from having the enthusiasm and energy of children and youth? Don't forget that even though the kids may be out of school the parents may work so considering opportunities that are available in the evenings (when it's cooler anyway) and on the weekends might bring new opportunities to engage entire families.

Summertime volunteering in southern Nevada can pose interesting challenges for organizations but with a little creativity and flexibility it brings the opportunity to try new things and engage new volunteers with your organziation. If you have a new opportunity you'd like to post, download our Volunteer Opportunities Form and send it to Volunteer@uwsn.org.