Episode 4: Engaging New Volunteers

What Would Alice Paul Do?

In episode 4, we talk about engaging new volunteers in person and online, and we share a League of Women Voters activist alert.

Examples of Negative Experience of New Volunteers

• Bad emails
• No communication
• Not asking why they joined and what motivates them
• Not inviting them to join with volunteer opportunities
• Not defining volunteer role
• No connections to other volunteers

Tips to Remember

This Maya Angelou quote is good to remember: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Relationships are being built face-to-face and online.

Examples of Positive Experiences of New Volunteers

• Host a League 101 training.
• Explain volunteer roles clearly.
• Provide meaty and challenging roles (think: resume building).
• The feeling that the activity is worth while.
• Refresher training / regional training / train the trainer workshops.
• Good Communications - if they don’t know an opportunity exists, then it doesn’t exist. It has to be polished and clear.

Tips to Remember:

• Email Tips: Subject Lines are really important. Make is standout!
• Signupgenius.com and SignUp.com - for volunteer notifications.
• MealTrain.com - To organize meals.
• LinkedIn.com to share experiences, help build networks and build online resumes--for your League, it's members and supporters, and you.
• Figure out what social media platforms your community uses. Manage those platforms really well.
• Graphics - if you need help with graphics, check out canva.com.
• Don’t be afraid to send emails and reminders. Have the news be ongoing. This demonstrates how active your League is.
• Recognize volunteer contributions. A great example is from Oregon Bus Project, the “t-shirt that cannot be bought.”
• Use Annual Meetings as a way to highlight the great work your League has done. Celebrate your successes and volunteers! - Tell your volunteers' stories.

Hands-On Tips

• Use the phone to call and text.
• Cluster Mentorship - Have a seasoned League member mentor three or four new members. Build relationships and interest.
• Have a rally on an issue - have a speaker and snacks.
• Host a Sips and Civility event or an event that bring people together to talk about issues that matter in a nonjudgemental, safe space. Help people get to know each other and share their stories. Example from LWV San Diego.
• Civics Game Night. Example from LWV Falls Church VA.
• Twitter Takeover. What Does a Successful Social Media Takeover Look Like? On Classy.com

Activist Alert

• Protect Our Care
• Sign up for League of Women Voters Action Alerts

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Music by OhmLab.

Have a question or idea to share? Leave us a comment!

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