WCVA’s Volunteering Manager, Felicitie Walls has been working with volunteer leaders to think about how to build the best possible experience for a prospective young volunteer.
I asked a group of volunteer leaders to join me in designing a five-star welcome for an imaginary 16-year-old prospective volunteer.
They did not disappoint, and we created something pretty fabulous.
What if…
A PERSONAL INTRODUCTION
What if… individuals were welcomed into our worlds through a personalised outreach approach?
Drawn in by something that your organisation does that really speaks to them, a cause, an activity, an event, a way of engaging? Not with an initial focus of what they can do for us, but a focus on what experiences we can create for them that make them passionate about our world… a bit like we see often on a youth volunteering journey i.e. ‘I just started playing football’, ‘I went along to an event with my friend’…
A SPEEDY RESPONSE
What if… we responded to interest in our worlds promptly and effectively?
What if those interested in any aspects of our work received responses straight away however they got in touch. What if they got to speak to the right person quickly and were given the information they need at the right time to make a decision on next steps.
MADE TO FEEL RIGHT AT HOME
What if… individuals had a fun and relatable arrival experience?
Welcomed by their name, the right pronouns, with a small token to say hello (a pen, a biscuit, a special sticker). Entering a space that feels like young people (or people like them) had been there before, photos on the walls, thank you notes from previous volunteers.
Offered refreshments, told where the toilets are or any other spaces designed to help them to feel comfortable (a quiet room, a prayer space etc). Allowed time to arrive and helped to feel at ease.
SHOWN WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
What if… there was an immersive and interactive introduction?
Whether a short film that explains the vision & mission of the organisation and how people like them can contribute through small actions.
Perhaps an interactive tour – in real life, or virtual (depending on the medium) that brings to life what it is like in this new world they are becoming part of. Can they get a taste of what volunteering for your organisation might look like?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
What if… feeling connected to others was ‘baked in’ to the initial experience?
Bringing a friend or family member along to a taster session, or a first session, or even every session (if they prefer).
Or setting up an informal, but strategic buddy system, so that individuals benefit from being with others in their experience. Or having a volunteer social early on in their experience that helps them feel part of the community from the start.
MAKING IT WORK FOR YOU
What if… they knew what to do and how to make it work for them?
Guidance information (just the right amount & easy to read) early on – with all they need to know about adaptability, flexibility, tailoring of the experience, where to go for help. For young people you might need a section of ‘what if I have exams?’ as an example.
A DAY TO REMEMBER
What if… they had the most positively memorable first experience of volunteering with you?
A no-pressure taster session which gave them a sense of what your organisation is all about. An informal, rewarding, energising experience.
They left feeling great, valued, cared for, safe, and 100% not out of pocket (ideally at any point of the journey). They’ve taken some photos that you know for sure are going to end up on social media or the family / friends group chat (following your organisations guidance on photo taking of course!)
KEEPING UP THE MOMENTUM
What if… your follow up meant that coming back for more was a no-brainer?
You’ve demonstrated the difference that a small amount of their time could make. They receive a follow up personalised thank you that makes them feel like their time is really valued.
You invite them to the next opportunity to engage with you, which will be just as good (if not better than) the first.
HOW’D WE DO?
I’d love to hear reflections on what you think of these ideas and what you would do to create a five-star welcome for volunteers (or people that might become volunteers further down the line). Please get in touch – volunteering@wcva.cymru.