There are more than 1.4 million registered charities right now in the United States. That’s equal to one charity for every 300 Americans. The average American has between 4-5 hours of free time each day, and ideally, it would be nice to use that time helping others. That isn’t realistic, however, since life tends to get in the way.
Volunteering can be a very satisfying thing. There is a lot going on in the world that can make people forget how a little touch of kindness can make someone’s day. The great thing about volunteering is that any amount is appreciated. If you are fortunate enough to be able to financially support a specific charity that means something to you, that is of course wonderful. In addition to this grand gesture, many people believe that donating one’s time is the most valuable gift we can give. Volunteering shows a different level of passion and dedication than a donation, but they are both necessary and appreciated.
If you are a person who enjoys helping, but can’t spare the time it takes to fulfill a regular shift of 5-9 hours, there is the relatively new concept of micro-volunteering. The catchy name is bound to appeal to busy millennials and CEOs because it sounds efficient, and it is exactly what the name implies – a condensed version of a volunteer shift.
Another way to grab the attention of a busy individual is by making the signup process as fast and painless as possible. Digital enrollment is a do-or-die technological advancement in the world of volunteerism these days. Keep in mind that the average person waits only seven seconds before moving on to another website, so the speed is an issue as well.
Studies have shown that many people don’t volunteer because they were never asked to. Don’t wait for people to come to you, instead canvass the area and try to recruit people. Even though they aren’t being paid, they can still see the value that their donated time will wield. People want to see that their time will be well-spend and for a worthwhile cause.
Once you have recruitment, keep them engaged with a well-organized training program and efficient, timely schedule. Volunteers are ready to be told where to go and what to do, they do not want to stand around feeling like they’ve made a bad decision or wasted their time.