VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION FOR EAAT

Emilie Thomason- All Star Equestrian Foundation, Inc. PATH Intl. Texas ChairPATH Intl. Certified Registered Riding Instructor

Clarissa Correa- Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center PATH Intl. Texas Co-ChairPATH Intl. Certified Registered Riding Instructor/Mentor

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION FOR EAAT

• Through the use of targeted presentations, social media and technologies, education, recognition, and identification of burnout, individuals will be better equipped to recruit and retain the volunteers necessary for EAAT.

IDENTIFY YOUR NEED

• What type of volunteer does your program need?o Consider the duties of each volunteer type.

• Time of session• Physical requirements• Training needed

TARGETED PRESENTATIONS

• Choose presentation opportunities where your audience consists of possible volunteers. ● Universities, student clubs, community organizations, gyms

ADAPT TO YOUR AUDIENCE

• What motivates your audience to volunteer?● School credit, work experience, scholarships....

• Connect volunteering to their interests.

http://amsterdamnews.com/news/2018/aug/23/scholarships-african-american-students/

POSITIVE PRESENCE

• Every person is a prospective volunteer.● Don’t let that opportunity walk past you.

• Play the odds.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/micahtaylor/4921730979

PRESENTATION MATERIALS

• Display eye-catching and heart-warming images, pamphlet, contact information, candy!

• Get their attention, so you can start a conversation.

• Approachable attire

AFTER THE RECRUITMENT EVENT

• Follow Up● Send an email or call

within the same week. • Keep it short and sweet. A

standard generic email can save time, just change the names and dates.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Engage your Volunteers with Social Media● Different audiences for each social media platforms ● Post at least once a day or within 2 days to keep audience

engaged● Why should they volunteer at your program? ● Does Boosting post work? ● Look at other Non-Profits for ideas ● Thank you Posts

SOCIAL MEDIA

Different audiences for each social media platformsFacebook Twitter

81% 18-29 40% 18-29

78% 30-49 32% 13-17

65% 50-64 27% 30-49

51% 13-17 19% 50-64

41% 65+ 8% 65+

Instagram Snapchat 72% 13-17 69% 13-17 64% 18-29 68% 18-2940% 30-49 26% 30-4921% 50-64 10% 50-6410% 65+ 3% 65+

https://sproutsocial.com/insights/new-social-media-demographics/

https://blogs.volunteermatch.org/engagingvolunteers/2018/08/23/how-to-recruit-volunteers-using-social-media/

UTILIZATION OF TECHNOLOGY

Volunteer Websites● How will potential volunteers find your

volunteer opportunity online?○ Have a clear online presence on volunteer sites.

■ Create a profile that pulls at their heart’s strings.

SUPPORTIVE COMMUNICATION

• Address the group● Singling out volunteers in a group can be off-putting and cause new

volunteers to not return.

• “You are important.” “How are you doing?” “Thank you”

https://www.wishesmsg.com/thank-you-volunteers-messages/

EDUCATION

• Empower volunteers through training.● Training classes

• Horse Handling, Orientation, Mounting/Dismounting, schooling, etc.

RECOGNITION

• Daily Appreciation● Staff and Riders

• Social Media and Promotional Materials● Show your pride for volunteers in public forums.

● Individual permission required

RECOGNITION

• Awards and Gifts● Certificate of Appreciation● Baked Goods● Plaque

https://daily.jstor.org/the-delicious-democratic-symbolism-of-doughnuts/

RECOGNITION

• Logo Merchandise● Organization advertising and volunteer pride● Award volunteer hour levels with different items

RECOGNITION

• Appreciation Events● Specific event for

volunteers and their families

• Annual rider event● Recognize volunteers in

front of riders and their families

VOLUNTEER BURNOUT

• What are the signs?1. The volunteer

• is cranky, cynical, and complains often• looks and acts exhausted• has lost interest• fails to show up

“4 Ways To Tell You’re Asking Too Much Of Volunteers” - Kayla Mathews, https://blogs.volunteermatch.org/engagingvolunteers/2017/03/08/4-ways-to-tell-youre-asking-too-much-of-volunteers/

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/13-surprising-signs-of-burnout-you-may-be-missing/

BURNOUT PREVENTION

• Random acts of kindness• Increase breaks• Vary tasks

• Plan activities to get to know your volunteers more personally.

https://blogs.volunteermatch.org/engagingvolunteers/2017/03/08/4-ways-to-tell-youre-asking-too-much-of-volunteers/

● Targeted Presentations● Utilization of Social Media and Technology ● Education● Recognition● Identification of Burnout

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION FOR EAAT

QUESTIONS?

Emilie Thomasonemiliekt91@gmail.com

Clarissa Correa clarissa21ann@gmail.com