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PR and Marketing

Encourage volunteers to find you- get listed and get out there

One of the best ways to recruit volunteers is to let them find you. The resources below focus on advertising your opportunities and providing profiles of interested volunteers through listings in databases, online, and print media. Just remember: the number one reason people volunteer is to make a difference. This is as true for youth sports coaches as it is for soup kitchen volunteers. Your advertisements should reflect the amazing work your program is doing and highlight how you are making a difference in the lives of Boston’s youth. Think about using a Microsoft template and create professional flyers that will capture the attention of local volunteers and post them on line and in your community. (For example, see the “Winter Event Flyer Template” on our website in Administrator Resources).

 

  • Craig’s List **- Craig’s List is, in this writer’s humble opinion, the best thing since sliced bread. This community bulletin board is not fancy- just incredibly effective. There are dozens of categories where you can post and read listings for free from people all over Massachusetts (most are from Boston). On any given day, there are over 3,000 posts in the Community section- where you find and recruit volunteers- and over 8,000 jobs posted in the previous 10 days. Keep reading below to find Craig’s List volunteer postings from people who are looking to work with YOU!
  • Volunteerist - New Boston print and on-line magazine with 20,000 subscribers. Send them your volunteer postings and program information to get listed in their directory. Deadline for print submissions is Friday, Feb 18th. On-line submissions are on-going.
  • Volunteer Solutions - This is a local matching database run by the United Way of Mass Bay (UWMB). Right now only registered nonprofits may post listings, but the BYSI is working with them to expand their service to all local youth sports programs and leagues.
  • Opportunity NOCS - This is a national organization with a New England chapter. They have a bi-monthly email list and website for posting opportunities. They also offer low cost consulting.
  • Idealist **- Idealist is the largest database of nonprofit job and volunteer opportunities on the internet. They run volunteer fairs, and have multiple databases and resources for nonprofits. I rarely go anywhere else to look for nonprofit job listings- other than Craig’s List of course.
  • Volunteer Recruitment Fairs - Most colleges and universities have volunteer fairs in the spring and/or fall organized out of the volunteer and service learning centers. You can usually set up a booth for free as long as you sign up in advance.
  • Local Community Groups - organizations like the South Boston Volunteer Corps, local churches, youth groups, and private clubs are all great places to get the word out about your program and recruit people from the community.
  • BoardNet USA and Bridgestar- They help match you with potential board members.

**Featured Resource

All of the resources outlined in this article can be found on the BYSI website. Start in the Network Section’s “Volunteer Info” and go from there. You may also want to print this guide and keep a copy handy!

http://www.bostonyouthsports.org/NetworkVolunteerInfo.aspx

 
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