What are some effective ways to recruit and retain volunteers for training?

1 Identify your training needs

Before you start looking for volunteers, you need to have a clear idea of what kind of training you need and why. This will help you define your goals, objectives, and outcomes for the training, as well as the criteria and qualifications for the volunteers. You can conduct a needs assessment, a gap analysis, or a SWOT analysis to identify your training needs and priorities. You can also consult with your staff, stakeholders, and existing volunteers to get their input and feedback.

2 Promote your training opportunities

Once you have defined your training needs, you need to promote your training opportunities to potential volunteers. You can use various channels and methods to reach out to your target audience, such as your website, social media, newsletters, flyers, posters, word-of-mouth, referrals, or events. You should highlight the benefits and value of your training, such as the skills and knowledge they will gain, the impact they will make, the recognition and rewards they will receive, and the network and community they will join. You should also make your training accessible and inclusive, by offering flexible and convenient options, such as online, hybrid, or self-paced learning, as well as accommodating different learning styles, preferences, and needs.

3 Engage your volunteers during training

To retain your volunteers during training, you need to engage them and keep them interested and motivated. You can do this by using interactive and participatory methods, such as games, quizzes, simulations, case studies, or discussions, to make your training fun and relevant. You can also provide feedback and support to your volunteers, by giving them constructive and timely comments, suggestions, and praise, as well as answering their questions and addressing their concerns. You can also create a sense of belonging and community among your volunteers, by encouraging them to collaborate, communicate, and socialize with each other and with your staff.

4 Follow up with your volunteers after training

To retain your volunteers after training, you need to follow up with them and show them that you appreciate and value their participation and contribution. You can do this by sending them a thank-you note, a certificate, a badge, or a gift, to acknowledge their efforts and achievements. You can also ask them for feedback and evaluation, to measure their satisfaction and learning outcomes, as well as to identify areas for improvement and innovation. You can also offer them ongoing opportunities and resources, such as mentoring, coaching, refresher courses, or advanced modules, to help them apply and enhance their skills and knowledge.

5 Recognize and reward your volunteers regularly

To retain your volunteers in the long term, you need to recognize and reward them regularly and consistently. You can do this by creating and implementing a volunteer recognition and reward system, that aligns with your organizational values and goals, as well as your volunteers' expectations and preferences. You can use different types of recognition and rewards, such as verbal, written, public, private, formal, informal, tangible, or intangible, to suit different occasions and situations. You can also celebrate and showcase your volunteers' achievements and impact, by featuring them on your website, social media, newsletter, or annual report, or by inviting them to events, ceremonies, or parties.

6 Communicate and connect with your volunteers frequently

To retain your volunteers indefinitely, you need to communicate and connect with them frequently and effectively. You can do this by maintaining regular and open communication channels, such as email, phone, chat, or video call, to keep them informed and updated about your organization's activities, news, and opportunities. You can also solicit and listen to their opinions and ideas, by conducting surveys, polls, interviews, or focus groups, or by creating a volunteer advisory board or committee. You can also foster and nurture a strong relationship and rapport with your volunteers, by expressing your gratitude and appreciation, by showing your interest and care, and by sharing your vision and values.