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We always should remember that we need volunteers more than they need us. There are many worthy places where a person can donate time. All of these worthy places are vying for volunteers' time. Your center is one of them. And the work of the center cannot be done without generous donations of time.
We must also be aware that working in pro-life ministry "feels" outside the comfort zone for many people and therefore suffers a negative image. In order to compensate, we need to move people toward volunteering as we present the center as a vital, exciting ministry opportunity.
Use volunteers for many tasks
At the outset, we need to make it clear that not all volunteers need to be counselors. We need to identify a broad range of tasks that can be done by volunteers and then communicate to interested people not only our financial and logistical needs but also the volunteer opportunities we offer. Many professionals could help us but lack the time for a regular volunteer position. Nonetheless, they may be able to give generously of their expertise on an "as needed" basis. We may find a volunteer for a single task, such as planting a garden, stenciling walls, mending clothing, or refurbishing cribs. A homeschool family may volunteer to clean the office or process bulk mailings. Others may be willing to pick up or deliver donated items. Some brave souls may even help with fundraising events.
Recruit through your newsletter
Recruitment efforts typically begin in the newsletter. Since people care more about and relate better to other people than they do programs, we can attract helpers by featuring both a client and a volunteer story in every issue. By telling our story in human terms, we will draw others to get involved. The human stories breathe life into our training announcements and appeals for volunteers.
Job fairs
Many non-profit organizations now cooperate in putting on volunteer job fairs. Since we are looking for those who share specific values with us, we can organize such an event with other organizations that are looking for the same kind of volunteers. Current volunteers who are happy and fulfilled are an excellent resource for finding attendees who can be potential, new volunteers. They can invite friends to attend your event. They can also meet and greet others as they arrive. A job fair can be a low-key way for potential volunteers to meet us, see the center, and explore opportunities with us.
Not all volunteers are
counselors. A broad range
of tasks can be done by
volunteers. Work on getting
volunteers to perform as
many tasks as possible. |
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Building relationships with pastors and churches
Churches in your locality provide another source for volunteers. Within the faith community are those with pro-life sentiments, strong work ethics, upstanding character, and a desire to serve. However, reaching these potential volunteers is challenging for several reasons.
Churches have needs of their own and often see us as competitors for workers. It is difficult for a pastor to see how sending us volunteers will benefit his church directly. The pastor may have difficulty getting volunteers for church duties. That church already may be beset with outside requests for help. Moreover, there are some churches that see abortion as primarily a political issue and, therefore, are disinclined to become involved.
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to bridge this gap. Getting through to church leaders often requires effort and persistence. Pastors are busy and often count on their secretaries to keep outside appeals to a minimum. Sadly, this has often included the local pregnancy center because previously, inquiries from the center have always focused on the center's needs.
It is possible, however, to establish and build new relationships with pastors so that you become their co-laborer and not just another needy cause. To do that you need to become their servant with a bona fide interest in their ministries.
Begin by encouraging pastors. When something good happens for a pastor or church, send a personal note. Call and offer to have your staff pray for them, then follow up with a note. Invite the pastor or secretary to coffee or lunch. Provide copies of your videos, brochures, and books for review. Send brief reports or newsletters to the church.
As your relationship with the church builds, invite the pastor and church staff to tour the center and meet your staff. Give the pastor the opportunity to review your training materials, talk with volunteers, and review your counseling materials. Share stories of lives changed and saved. By building this relationship, you are working toward the day when the pastor will be glad to announce your training and recommend volunteers.
At the same time that you are building your personal relationship with the pastoral staff, your church liaisons and current volunteers can work to promote the center inside the church. Have them keep the pastor and church up to date about the center. Offer to have the center's staff speak at various church functions (such as Sanctity of Life Sunday, Mother/Daughter dinners, etc.).
On the occasions that you present the center's ministry, also present the volunteer opportunities that are available. If time permits, have a volunteer share her experiences. As people see and hear her, they will begin to see themselves doing what she does. Distribute response cards so that potential volunteers can indicate their interest.
Respond to inquiries quickly
Whenever you receive an inquiry from a potential volunteer, respond right away. Don't wait until the next training cycle. Invite her in immediately.
When a potential volunteer comes to the center, make a friend. Give her a tour and introduce her to the work. Answer her questions as you explore opportunities together. Use an attractive, well-developed volunteer packet to guide the conversation. Have your interview in a private space in pleasant surroundings. Reserve adequate time for the interview. These things will communicate how much you value her and her interest.
Find areas of involvement for a new volunteer while she waits for training. By quickly giving her an opportunity to serve, you may avoid discouraging her and losing her through delayed involvement.
Volunteer recruitment always will present challenges for us. But by carefully taking advantage of all the potential sources for volunteers and by building the right relationships, you can both broaden and deepen your volunteer staff and continuously prospect for new volunteers.
| ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Barbara Willsher has been involved in pro-life work for 21 years. She has served on the founding boards of three centers and has been Director and Director of Development. Currently Barbara is Board President of Assist Pregnancy Care Center. She and her husband reside in Woodbridge, Va., with their six children. She can be reached at 703-580-9723 or Bewillsher@aol.com. |
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