How Do You Recruit Volunteers?????

[kitty]

Our Pack has 50 Cub Scouts and only about 10 parents doing all the work. Our dens have approximately 10-15 boys in each one (Wolves - Webelos) and only 1 den leader each - we can't breakdown the dens to the recommended 5-6 boys because we don't have anyone who wants to step forward to be a den leader. I am the Committee Chair for the first time and our Pack Committee is at it's wits end to find volunteers for events as well as new Den Leaders. The same parents keep coordinating all the events and some are becoming very frustrated. We use our Pack meetings, newsletters and e-mails asking for volunteers - but so far it has not worked. Please - what works for your Cub Scout Pack? We have wonderful parents who attend Den and Pack meetings with their boys every month - but none that will volunteer a little more - I know there are some experienced parents out there who can help me!

[Bob White]

(reprinted from ealier forum of March 8

with apologies for length)

 

OK here goes. This may take some space to describe but I hope you'll find it worthwhile.

 

Ever notice how most units recruit by standing in front of the parents at a pack meeting and saying something like this.

 

"It takes alot of work to run this pack and we need your help. Some of us are working 2 or three positions and if we don't get someone to help then we can't have (a Wolf den, a Pack, a Pinewood Derby, a Blue and Gold, pick the threat of your choice). So if you'd be willing to help keep things going, come see me or Joan Smith after the meeting".

 

Does that sound familiar? Ever see a rush of parents charge the front of the room to sign up? Me either.

 

The other method we've already discussed is the forced Sign-up list. The problems there are you get people who sign up knowing they will never follow through, or you get people who sign up for work they have no skill, characteristic or aptitude for.

 

So here is the model that our most successful units use. They don't recruit, they SELECT their volunteers. It's very effective and takes some front end time to set-up then everything happens fairly quickly.

 

Step 1- Briefly explain to parents the importance of the scouting program, Character-Citizenship-Mental and Physical Fitness. Then remind them that this is a family activity and that everyone has something that will help the Pack grow and go. (This is a good time to pass out the Parent Resource Sheet and some pens, let them have a few minutes to fill them out and collect them as they leave.

 

Step 2- Identify the specific jobs that need to be done. Break them down into small manageable bites. Whats the starting date? the end date? the goal? How will they know when their successful? How does it benefit the boys? What resources are available to help make the job easier? and most important what characteristics and skills does a person need to do the job well.

 

Step 3- Who do you have that has some of those skills and characteristics. (Here is where those resource sheets come in handy).

 

Step 4- Prioritize the list for that specific job. Who would you most like to have do it.

 

Step 5- Gather the resources for the job, make an appointment to visit the person at their home, office or restaurant. (Never make them come to you!) take anothe volunteer with you, preferably one they know.

 

Step-6 Tell them the committe has identified an element missing from the pack that is keeping the boys from having a quality scouting experience, and that the missing element is them. "There is a job that has to been done and we have determined that you can do it better than anyone else." "Before you make a decision let us tell you about the job and show you all the tools we have for you to get the job done".

 

Step 7- show them what you determined in steps 2&3.

 

Step 8- remind them the value of the program and the value you see in them.

 

Step 9- Give them the tools along with a application, welcome them to scouting. Now go see your next new volunteer.

 

Finally, Keep Your Promise, don't add to the job or ask them to do a differnt job. When their done, give them a hardy handshake a big pat on the back and a gift (certificate, hat pin, dinner certificate).

 

We have found that 8 out of 10 times we get the first person we ask. It works for every job in scouting.

 

Remember, select don't recruit. Ask personally, privately and face-to-face. give them the scouting tools to do the job. Don't make it sound like work make it sound like they're important to the boys(they are)! Never complain in front of parents. Parents are volunteers you haven't been asked to help yet. No matter what the shape of the pack is smile and speak positively. People watch train wrecks from a distance they don't climb on board.

 

Try it and see.

Bob