Volunteer Retention – Six Good Questions to Ask
As important as volunteer recruitment is, volunteer retention is equally important. Consider it part of your risk management program, because losing good volunteers is a risk every nonprofit organization should recognize.
Neon One offers the following guidance, including six good questions to ask the new volunteer…
One common mistake nonprofits make is talking too much about themselves without emphasizing the difference volunteers make in the organization’s work. Another is diving right into hands-on work without a volunteer onboarding and orientation process that connects volunteers to the organization and its impact (the impact they’ll help make!).
This is why you should focus on building a personal connection between your volunteer and your organization. Tell them how they’ll make a great impact on your community, and spend some time getting to know them!
Take the opportunity to learn more about your volunteers, understand their motivations, and set the stage for a great relationship with them. Here are some questions you can ask:
How did you hear about us?
This is an especially important question if you’re actively working to build a larger base of volunteers. If you notice a large influx of volunteers from one particular campaign, you can spend more time and effort on that channel.
What motivated you to get involved?
Understanding your volunteers’ motivations can deepen their relationship with your organization. When you work with them, reiterate how they’re making a difference in the causes or areas that inspired them to get involved.
What type of projects are you interested in?
Volunteers will be more likely to continue donating their time and skills when they’re doing work they like. Asking this question will help you identify different volunteer opportunities that they’re most likely to enjoy.
Do you have any special or technical skills?
After you get a feel for which projects they’re interested in, asking your volunteers what skills they can bring to your organization will help you find the perfect project for them. You’ll help them use their diverse skills to support projects they find enjoyable.
How do you prefer to be contacted?
Communication is key in any relationship, including the relationship between a nonprofit and its volunteers. Knowing the best way to contact your supporters will make it easy to stay in touch with this invaluable group.
What resources do you need from us?
Your volunteers are donating their time, effort, and skills. They’re also probably donating their money; 76% of people who volunteer for an organization also donate! Asking this question and getting your volunteers the resources they need will establish a reciprocal relationship between you two and make it more likely that they’ll stay involved long-term.
If you are interested in protecting your volunteers through the unique VIS insurance program, please click on the “Get volunteer insurance now” link on the home page, or call 800.222.8920. For more information on VIS’s risk management resources for members, and our vendor partners, click on the “Member Benefits” tab.
