Frustrated that you ask for volunteers, but no one shows up? Try a different tactic. Instead of asking for volunteers in general, be very specific about what needs must be fulfilled. This isn’t a magic pill. It will still take work to get volunteers, but once you do, you will have an easier time keeping them.
Boring Meetings
Not a lot of people want to show up for meetings, especially one where their input isn’t really needed. Think of who comes regularly to your parent group meetings. The officers, right? Why? Because they all have a role to fill and feel a sense of responsibility. You need to spread that feeling throughout a wider base of volunteers.
So don’t ask people to come to meetings. Instead, ask them to help out at events. Or tell them that you need someone to help organize the silent auction. Give parents something to do. If you can get them into a role, you’ll have them hooked on helping out.
Once you do have them helping out, don’t demand they come to meetings. Encourage it, sure. But if they can’t make it, be understanding. Build a system of reports so you can all stay in touch with what is going on. Want more people at the meetings? Entice them with specifics about what is going to be accomplished and voted on.
Find the Professionals
Sometimes, your parent group could use a little expertise. Whether you want to do something on the web, have a legal question, or need someone with marketing expertise, a little professional help can go a long way. Chances are, there is a parent that can help out. Chances are also good that they will be busy. But don’t be afraid to ask for their help. Working with a volunteer organization is good for everyone.
If you want the help of a professional, you need to be very specific about what you would like them to help you accomplish. If you leave things open ended, parents will be hesitant to volunteer time, not knowing if it will eat into their regular work.
Don’t be afraid to flaunt your non-profit, volunteer organization, status to potential helpers. Reach out to people’s good nature with specific needs, and they will be likely to help out.
Be Needy
If no one knows what needs your parent group has, no one can fill them. Communicate your specific needs. Talk about time commitments, goals, etc. Its okay to show that you have needs that aren’t being filled. The key is to be organized and professional about it. People won’t volunteer if they feel they are walking in to a mess. If there is a lot of sitting around and little direction, you will lose volunteers.
On the other hand, if you focus your efforts on picking a clear direction, organizing your group, and then communicating what you want to accomplish and what help you need to get there, you will have an easier time getting people to step up to the plate.
People are ready to help, but most of them just want to be plugged in. This is good news for you, as a plugged in volunteer is much more likely to be an active and regular volunteer. So stop thinking numbers of volunteers, and start trying to match up specific needs with specific people.