Orientation within Recruitment Activities
What Do We Want?
• More Volunteers
What Do We REALLY Want?
• Volunteers that:– Know the details about our program and
want to be a part of it– Understand the volunteer program’s tie to
and role within Extension, and support Extension’s mission
– Understand and agree with our policies– Will be positive contributors to our group
Orientation within Recruitment
• All of our recruitment efforts should have a purposeful dose of orientation within them
• Facilitates knowledgeable volunteers
• Raises awareness and appreciation
One Specific Technique
• An informational meeting for people interested in joining your volunteer program
• A informal, group meeting focusing on the program’s purpose and requirements
Preparing for the Meeting• Keep a contact list of interested
people• Secure the meeting facility• Mail or email folks to give the details
of the informational meeting• Encourage current volunteers to
attend
The Meeting Facility
• Needs to accommodate:– A large crowd– A laptop, projector and screen– A display area for posters and/or
publications– A refreshment area (if desired)
Conducting the Meeting
• Main focus: attendees learning about the program & interacting with current volunteers
• Ensure a non-threatening atmosphere with no pressure and no immediate commitment
Conducting the Meeting
• Volunteer resource administrator should speak
• A volunteer leader within the program should speak
Conducting the Meeting• Have a question/answer time
• Tell participants what will happen next (communication, deadlines, etc…)
• Allow time for potential volunteers to mingle with current volunteers
Outcomes from the Meeting• Some folks will join our volunteer
group!– This is GREAT!
• Some folks will not join our group!– This is great, too!
Outcomes from the Meeting
• Reinforcing of fundamental program concepts to current volunteers
• Efficient use of our time
• Advocacy and Awareness of Extension
