How to Keep Your Volunteers Coming Back for More:

Web-based Volunteer solutions and how they can increase your volunteer recruitment and retention.

Session Overview

In this session, you will hear from nonprofits that are using Volunteer systems to manage their one-time and long-term volunteers. You'll hear how they use the tools; how the tools have impacted their work, and even get a peek at some of the tools.

Session Takeaways:

The benefits of volunteer recruitment and management systems

Which tools are available

Resources for evaluating your options and finding the right fit for you

How to Meet Potential Volunteers Online

A basic online strategy should include: Recognition that online should complement offline

activities Website presence that appeals to many audiences Concrete results and outcomes that appeal to

potential volunteers Strategy for marketing your website Email outreach and communications strategy Quality Volunteer Opportunities, Volunteer Tracking,

& Management of Volunteer Data

How an Online System Can Help

Tracking and Maintaining List of Volunteer Opportunities Traditionally: Volunteer Centers contacts organization then

transcribes opportunities into a central database. Online: Allows direct input by organizations, management of

volunteer “referrals” and promotion tools Matching a Volunteer to an Opportunity

Traditionally: Connects with a potential volunteer via phone or in person, determines interests/ availability, and matches volunteer to a listing of current opportunities.

Online: Allows the volunteer (on their own) to search or be automatically notified via email of opportunities that matches interests and availability

How an Online System Can Help (cont’d)

Tracking volunteer information and communication For future matching and thank you’s without creating duplicate

databases Relationship Development

Track volunteer’s record of service and interests Critical to developing a relationship with your volunteer that can

flourish into a more substantial commitment Reporting on Your Success

For fundraising/grant writing purposes Data tracking and management integrated into your volunteer

management strategy, so information is gathered and recorded throughout the year

Selecting a system

Step 1: Identify your needs Does it integrate or replace current system, is hosting provided? Which features are required and which “nice to have’?

• Online recruitment and matching• Online signup / registration for volunteers • Volunteer Tracking and Logistics management: • Volunteer Reporting/Other reporting requirements• Donations Management• Events management• Disaster / emergency response• Tools to manage “other” customers (business, colleges)

How much can I realistically afford to spend? Will this service increase my ability to generate funding, revenue, or sponsorships?

Selecting a System

Step 2: Interview the vendorsMake sure to pick a vendor with a solid product and plans to invest in growing the product to meet market needs.

Will vendor last in the marketplace? How many current customers? How satisfied are they? What the vendor’s reputation and experience in the field of volunteer

service? How many of the features I require are met? Will the vendor meet my required features in the next 6 months, the

next year? Will this vendor help or hinder my ability to fundraise and/or generate

revenue.

Online Volunteer Management Vendors

Now it’s time to hear from non-profits who use the following providers: Volunteer Solutions

provided by United eWay / United Way of America Volunteer Match

provided by Impact Online 1-800-Volunteer.org

provided by Points of Light Foundation

1-800-Volunteer.org

Teresa Gardner-Williams

Executive Director

Prince George's Volunteer Center

Volunteer Match

Kim Gube

Volunteer Relationships Manager

American Red Cross

National Headquarters

Volunteer Solutions

Jeff Slobotski

Manager, Marketing and Sales

Volunteer Solutions / United eWay

Questions?

1-800-Volunteer.orgKatherine Watier

kwatier@pointsoflight.org202-729-3231

Volunteer SolutionsJeff Slobotski

jeff.slobotski@uwa.unitedway.org402-884-2311

Volunteer MatchJonathan Cirome

jcirome@volunteermatch.org (415) 241-6868 x 6871