Patrons: A person who is interested enough to visit a museum or use a non-profit's services is more likely to be interested enough to volunteer than a person from the general public. Non-profit organizations should make sure that volunteer opportunities and applications are clearly posted where patrons can find them, and that front-line staff know enough to field basic questions about volunteering for the organization. It also does not hurt to personally ask a regular customer if he or she would be willing to help out.
Volunteers: One of the best sources of future volunteers is current volunteers. It is likely that if someone is passionate enough to volunteer their time, they are likely to have at least some friends who share those same passions and interests. Also, a person who is already working at the organization should not only have a good understanding of the non-profit’s needs, but also what types of personalities would do well there. In other words, a current volunteer can be the perfect volunteer recruiter… but only if they like the organization enough and feel appreciated enough to recommend the job to others. Keep volunteers happy, and be sure to let them know about any available volunteer positions.
Seniors: Retirees are often looking for ways to make meaningful contributions to their communities, to maintain their skills (or learn new skills!) and to interact with others. Because they often have more daytime availability than other people, they can make perfect volunteers. Contact local active living communities and senior centers about the possibility of recruiting volunteers there.
Online: One way to find volunteers is to make it easy for volunteers to find you. Many people interested in volunteering head online to find out what opportunities exist near them. An organization’s website should include a current list of volunteer opportunities, link to a volunteer application form or information on how to apply, and the volunteer coordinator’s contact information. Non-profits can also use third-party websites to advertise any volunteer positions. Craigslist, Idealist, and Volunteer Match are all good places to post volunteer needs. In addition, many local communities have online volunteer databases. Non-profits can also post volunteer opportunities on listserves or online groups that relate to their mission.
Community Bulletin Boards: Libraries, coffee shops, places of worship, and local daily and weekly newspapers, and other places often advertise volunteer opportunities. People looking for something to do usually know about these resources, so a non-profit should take advantage of any place that posts volunteer positions.
