Whether we’re talking about nonprofit organizations, afterschool programs, community initiatives or beyond, there’s no doubt that volunteers are at the heart of many efforts to connect young people—any people, really—with the outdoors.
Below, we’ve gathered some useful resources to help you find and manage volunteers, while also offering a few suggestions for those who are interested in volunteering or encouraging other people to volunteer on public lands.
RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS
Define your needs. Before you begin searching for volunteers, it’s important figure out exactly what your program needs. Here are a few questions to ask during this first stage of the process:
- What roles will volunteers assume within the program?
- What location(s) need volunteers?
- How many volunteers do you need?
- How long, and for how many hours will you need volunteers?
- What skills, experience, and/or certifications should volunteers possess?
Create an application. Once you’ve figured out exactly what your program needs, you can create a volunteer position description and/or application form that outlines the application process and clear expectations of what the program is seeking.
A description of the position, like this sample Adventure Club Volunteer description, offers a simple, clear summary of what is expected from the volunteer and how it relates to the program’s overall mission.
An application, like this sample Volunteer Application, asks for specific information from the applicant to help you determine whether they’re a good fit for your program. Your application might include basic personal information, a code of conduct, job history, references, list of skills and certifications, and anything else that seems pertinent to the work at hand.
Begin the search. Once you have an understanding of what you’re looking for and have created an avenue for volunteers to apply for open positions, it’s time to start recruiting. You might consider placing newspaper ads and posting with online search engines like VolunteerMatch, Create the Good, and the federal Corporation for National and Community Service. You’ll also want to spread the word via newsletters and social media, post fliers around the community, and share the opening with your personal and professional network.
Choosing volunteers. Now comes the best part—selecting volunteers! When you post opportunities, make sure to specify a time frame for receiving applications, unless you’re accepting applications on an ongoing basis. Once that window closes (or as they come in), sift through applications, paying close attention to your initial list of requirements. From there, begin scheduling interviews—and eventually, begin filling your bank of available volunteers!
MANAGING VOLUNTEERS
Once volunteers are selected, you’ll want to welcome them into the program—and hopefully keep them around! Here are a few things to keep in mind as you as you recruit, develop, and manage volunteers:
Designate a volunteer coordinator. It’s up to your program to set expectations, not to mention schedules, with all of your volunteers. The best way to accomplish this is to assign one person (or a combination of several) the task of coordinating all volunteer efforts and communications. Check out this sample Volunteer Coordinator Job Description for a general understanding of what a dedicated coordinator (or team) might do.
Conduct background checks. Screenings and background checks are utilized by many employers, but they’re also crucial tools to use when bringing on new volunteers, especially if they’ll be working with or around young people. Background checks might include fingerprint scans, criminal history checks, ID verification, drug testing, social media review, motor vehicle history checks, and more.
Prepare and train your volunteers. Before they begin any duties in your program, spend some time adequately preparing volunteers for their role. Complete any paperwork, conduct any hard or soft skill training that might be necessary (i.e. group management, first aid / CPR), offer some type of orientation (and possibly even a team building activity to help them get to know existing staff), and properly communicate expectations. Here are two sample documents that can help you prepare for this process:
Manage your volunteers. It’s important to keep open lines of communication with your volunteers. Conduct general check-ins, but also build in a more formal mechanism for feedback and evaluation (on both sides). It’s also a good idea to offer ongoing training and skill-building opportunities, in addition to regular recognition of the work volunteers provide; the more you invest in your volunteers, the more they’ll invest in your program.
VOLUNTEERING ON PUBLIC LANDS
As we approach the fourth year of REI’s #OptOutside campaign, which encourages people to not only get outside on the day after Thanksgiving, but also consider giving back by volunteering to lead hikes, participate in trash pick-ups, and conduct trail restoration work, we wanted to offer a few additional resources for those who might want to volunteer on public lands (or for those who encourage others to do so):
- Volunteer with the U.S. Forest Service
- Volunteer with the National Park Service
- Volunteer with American Rivers for a National River Clean Up
- Volunteer with NEEF for National Public Lands Day
top photo by Perry Grone