Barriers to Volunteering

Earlier this year our team interviewed an enthusiastic young woman interested in volunteering for an admin position. Options were discussed, her skills checked, a role and organisation selected by the volunteer and so a referral was made. The application was enthusiastically received by the organisation and a date was to be confirmed for the next training intake. Then…. nothing!

When the volunteer contacted the organisation again several months later, as she was still interested, she was told she was unsuccessful this time and they had taken on someone else, she could try again later in the year. Not only was the volunteer kept waiting while she could have been volunteering elsewhere, but: “more than the rejection, the coordinator’s careless attitude throughout the conversation was more painful.”

When recruiting volunteers it is important to respond to offers of help in a timely manner and follow up on promises. If you are interviewing more than one person for a particular role, let volunteers know up front, this makes it clear that it is not a given they will be accepted for the role just because they have put up their hand.

If you have made your selection choose your words wisely when letting unsuccessful applicants know, don’t put potential volunteers off your organisation or volunteering in general. They chose to gift their time to you, just simple acknowledgement and courtesy are the appropriate response. Volunteers do not need to volunteer for your organisation.

If you need any assistance with your recruitment process or volunteer management please contact us or check our website for upcoming workshops.

Articles with helpful tips and ideas can be found here.