Volunteer Letter?

[Braydon 0]

Having just started in this position, I was wondering if anyone has any generalized letter's they send out, when they want the community to volunteer. Say for instance a letter sent to all the school's in the area, telling them about what you do, and what you need. Any idea's would be GGRREEAAATTT!!!!

 

Braydon

AD Brigade

[heavenstar 0]

I work with a community center nearby and when I need some volunteers, I just call her and she puts it in her newsletter that reaches far more people than mine does. We use volunteers mostly for computer classes--- teenagers are ok with this. We have a lot of people who want to be friendly visitors--- but 95% of the volunteers never show up-- so our poor residents are sitting in the lobby for 2 hours waiting on someone. But I think I got off track........no, we don't have a generalized letter--- a phone call to a specific club or group usually does it--- and our high schools around here require that students put in so many community service hours so, getting volunteers are usually no problem. We have also used high school clubs to come and put on plays, birthday parties, dance parties, and we have helped other schools make costumes for their play in exchange for them to come put on a play at our facility.

[Guest Guest_Kathy]

Be careful what you wish for!!! 20 teens needing to do 20 hours in one weekend might be coming your way! There are some steps that have proven to be very helpful.

 

1. Make a job description for what you want individuals to do with residents

2. Make a pamphlet of what church groups, scout troops, home schoolers and other community groups can do for your facility.

3. Coordinate and make orientation packets and set up an orientation program

4. PPD, Background Check policies and procedures

5 THEN and only then look for volunteers to fill those spots!

 

We have over 150 volunteers (individuals and groups) from the local Elementary School, two local universities and retired volunteers. All needing care and feeding reularly including hours on the phone, thank-you notes for everything that they do, free gifts. cards once a month, big dinner and awards..... All planned out by myself and activities staff prior to looking for them.

 

After 28 years of doing this it is a huge part of the job......So prepare and plan ahead!

[Braydon 0]

Thanks for the helpful idea's. I will imediately start putting them to use. I think the hardest part of starting for me will be having a regular volunteer program. SO THANKS!