There are several platforms for volunteer recruitment, most notably: Idealist and Volunteer Match.  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 since you can’t make the same connection you would if you recruited from your own pool of volunteers!

Current Volunteer – 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/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!

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.  

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!

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