Which of the volunteers would you decide to choose?
As
they say in the quizzes, All of the above!
The very act of offering their services makes all these individuals potential assets for your project. Think positive thoughts and welcome them. You never know what the potential may be, particularly if you are effective at managing and motivating your volunteers.
BE A VOLUNTEER FOR A MONTH is an approach being tried in an effort to appeal to busy executives. They learn about the program so they can "spread the message" and, before the month is over, they identify another who then becomes the next Volunteer for a Month. UCP
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WE
CREATED A STUDENT TECH ACADEMY to meet
some of our volunteer needs. Students come in two afternoons a week to
learn about computers. As part of their learning experience, they help
check out donated machines. Students who know how to repair and use computer
technology will have an extra advantage when they look for a job and,
in the meantime, we have a source of help for our project. Pan-Educational Institute, Missouri and Kansas |
AN APPRENTICE SYSTEM IS BEING STARTED for Dayton Microcomputer Association members. DMA, the Ohio Department of Education, and the Technology Resource Center coordinate their efforts with NCF. There are also contacts with computer user groups in Cincinnati, Columbus and Indianapolis who can offer assistance as needed. Technology Resource Center, Inc., Dayton, Ohio
Will you use this opportunity to reach the retirees or the military personnel or both?
Address your message to members of the retirement community because they are more likely to read the local paper. To reach the potential volunteer pool on the military base, try to get access to their media (e.g., base paper, radio station, TV channel).
Which approach would be most attractive to potential volunteers in the retirement community?
Approach A is the better choice for reaching potential volunteers in the retirement community. It "speaks their language," focuses on their abilities, and makes it easy and comfortable for them to get more information.
SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE
TO: Editor (Call the number on the masthead to get a specific name.)
FROM: Project, Contact Name and Title, Address, Phone/FAX/E-mail
For Immediate Release -- Photo enclosed
The XYZ Project of City is holding an Open House on May 3 from 10 AM to 12 AM at the ABC School, 123 Boulevard. Since 19__, the XYZ project, in cooperation with the National Cristina Foundation, has provided computers to many individuals with disabilities. Both youngsters and adults have benefited from this program in terms of achieving educational and employment goals.
Linda Elson, who received a computer and training through the project, is now a reservations associate at the GoGo Travel Agency. "Having a computer opened up the world to me," said Linda who, along with other recipients, staff members, and volunteers will be giving demonstrations and answering questions at the Open House.
For further information about the program or the Open House,
call 111-2222.
Become a volunteer -- Help change lives!
PRESS KITS...PRESS KITS...PRESS KITS
Put together a kit consisting of background on your project (e.g., brochures), coverage received (e.g., newspaper clippings), and the person to contact for further information. Have several of these kits on hand, so that when an opportunity presents itself, you just have to add a cover letter and immediately send out the kit.
Periodically update the kit so that it is always current.
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SAMPLE INSERT FLYER
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MAKE MAILINGS MATTER!
When you spend time and money on any kind of mailing for your
project, be sure to take the opportunity to mention the need for volunteers. Be alert for opportunities to be included in other groups' mailings (e.g., a computer store, PTA, local AARP chapter, etc.).
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ANOTHER BRIGHT IDEA! At the conclusion of our meeting with Rotary Club members, they were asked to put their business cards in the middle of the table. If they wanted to make a donation or work with the project in some way, they were asked to fold the cards in half. |
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Shirley Amond and Vicki Hershman, Indiana Assistive Technology Initiative |
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SAMPLE OF INFORMATION PROVIDED TO VOLUNTEER
JILL ANDERSON
WELCOME TO PROJECT ABC'S VOLUNTEERS!
YOUR INTEREST AND COMMITMENT ARE APPRECIATED.
As discussed, you will come to the project offices on Wednesdays from 10 to 12 .
As discussed, you will:
Your contact is Ellen Sanders, Volunteer Coordinator.
Ellen can be reached from 10 AM to 6 PM at 333-3333.
