Some of us are wishing there were extra days in December (or at least 25 hours in the day)! January is fast approaching and we’re still in holiday mode.
Take a moment between sips of eggnog and grandma’s pumpkin pie to put a stake in the ground to increase Volunteer Engagement in 2012. DO ONE THING —Plan a First-of-the-Year Volunteer Gathering. (Then head back to the football games, tinsel and cheese balls.)
Host a January Gathering and Jumpstart Volunteer Engagement in 2012
Simple or elaborate, kick-start the New Year with a January volunteer gathering. Host a coffee break, a chili luncheon, potluck, or pizza party. Offer a look back at 2011 and present plans for the year ahead – goals, big events, greatest volunteer needs, introduce new leaders and coordinators, etc.
Here are 6 simple ways to make the New Year’s kickoff a success:
- Before the meeting, ask volunteers to share photos from 2011 events on your facebook page; request they add stories, anecdotes and favorite memories of their volunteer experiences over the year. Create a scrapbook from the images - publish a hardcopy for sharing or a pdf (soft copy) for emailing.
- Review the goals and accomplishments of your year of volunteering with hard numbers and facts -- from how many kids you helped read, to how many families were fed, how much money your fundraiser pulled in, how many badges your troop merited, how many games your team won, etc.
- Thank your 2011 volunteers with a slideshow or posters describing your collective impact, pictures of volunteers in action, and of course… treats!
- Ask for feedback. What worked well and what would volunteers like to see improved in the new year? Sometimes simple things like changing the start time of a shift or creating a designated volunteer parking place can make a world of difference.
- Outline your goals for 2012 and call for volunteers! Be ready with online sign up sheets to organize your new year, semester, or season of service. Share the link at your meeting and directly after via email.
- The New Year’s meeting is the perfect time for a fresh start to invite people who have not had the chance to volunteer yet. Let them know you would love to see them participate in 2012 – ask what special talents or skills they might be able to contribute and partner them with your active contributors.
Here's to a brand new year in service! Let us know what your volunteer team or organization is planning for 2012 over on facebook!
