There are several platforms for volunteer recruitment, most notably: Idealist and VolunteerMatch.  While using these platforms in your overall strategy is fine…I don’t put too much stock in them. They’re great, but don’t seem as useful as one might think!

Current Volunteers

If your current volunteers are committed they will help in other ways including recruiting their friends, family, and co-workers.  All you have to do is ask. Simple enough for most, but not all.

Previous Volunteers

Are there volunteers who helped in the past but because of scheduling conflicts can help out now?  If so, there is no reason why you can ask for their help in promoting your volunteer needs. I have friends who shoot me volunteer needs for events that we have similar interest….and these are friends I met volunteering!

Friends and Family of Staff Members

Sometimes you need to ask your own family and friends.  Might seem like a bizarre request…but I have had the parents of staff members help out in a pinch.  Something they found they loved! But again, all you have to do is ask!

Community Partners

If you don’t have a community partnership program…well that may be your first problem.  Second, if you do, there is nothing preventing you to ask if they can promote your volunteer needs.  Since its volunteer needs and not funding needs, 9 out of 10 times, they will help out. Remember to reciprocate the gesture!

Educational Institutions and Other Organizations w/ Similar Missions

For example if you are a film festival, there is no reason why you can’t go to your local film office, film membership organization, or the local college that has a film program for volunteers.  

Social Media

Obviously you are using social media to sell tickets, passes, etc….there is no reason you can’t also put a call out for volunteers.  

Traditional Media

Have a volunteer orientation coming up?  Have you thought about adding it to newspaper and other media platform’s calendars?

Social Groups

Depending on what you are recruiting volunteers for…Do some research and see if there are some social groups that correspond with your organization’s mission or volunteer needs.  Groups are always great in recruiting for large scale events such as Galas and Street Festivals.

Recruiting volunteers sometimes takes thinking outside the box.  Remember never be afraid to ask….they can say no…then you are no better off than you were before…but if they said yes, then you are ahead!