How to Recruit Student Volunteers

High school and college students make excellent volunteers for charities and organizations. Most students are eager to participate so that they can list their experiences on their resumes. Volunteer work gives students a chance to hone skills, learn various professions and interact with their communities. Your job is to get the students to attend and then to make their experience worthwhile and memorable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Make a list of positions and responsibilities for your student volunteers so that they know what to expect upon arrival. You may want to include such information as the volunteer coordinator's phone number and email address, proper attire, arrival and departure times and break times.
2. Call the volunteer office of your local high schools and colleges. Answer the six fundamental questions of who, what, when, where, why and how. Be specific about the type of students you're looking for, the location, the date and time, positions and responsibilities, the importance of the experience and the impact on the community.
3. Create fliers to post around schools, malls, restaurants and local hangouts. Make your flier colorful with catchy phrases.
4. Give a presentation to individual classes. If your organization specifically targets history, science or media majors, focus on those students. Remind them that this experience is a wonderful way to make contacts in the industry.
5. Offer your students a free lunch. Include on your flyers and promotions that all volunteers get free pizza and refreshments for the day.
6. Keep your students busy throughout the day, and thank them for their time. Offer to sign time sheets for those that receive school credit for their volunteer hours. If they have a good experience, the next time you need volunteers, you may get back some of the same kids and their friends.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask to speak with the principal or dean of schools or colleges that don't have volunteer offices.
• Give as much advance notice to teachers and students as possible.