How to Increase Volunteer Participation in Your Booster Club

Getting help from volunteers can be tough because people have busy schedules and many people don't think they have much to offer. There are some fairly simple things to do that will make all the difference in the world. These tips are very helpful when working with Booster Clubs and Sports Teams.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Volunteer Resource Questionnaires - One per Volunteer
• Several Pens and Pencils
• List of Volunteers or Members of Your Booster Club or Organization

1. Schedule a fun, but required, meeting at a place and time that will attract most, if not all of your members. For booster clubs we suggest that you have this meeting on team picture day or any other day that is a draw for parents and grand parents.

2. Have the coach or president of your organization send out an invitation to attend the event. The invitation should emphasize that the event will be fun, while also being clear that this meeting is required for all to attend so that you can start the year off right.

3. Be sure to send out reminders via phone, email, text, etc. two days before the event to insure great attendance. You can even offer a Free Gift Card raffle to give people extra incentive to attend.

4. At the beginning of the event have the Coach or President of the booster club or organization address the attendees. Have them outline what the goals of the organization are and explain that everyone's help is need to reach these goals.

5. Provide each person with a pen or pencil to fill out the Volunteer Resource Questionnaire. Golf course pencils are great for this. Explain that each part of the form is very important and one should be completed by each member.

6. Put a group of people in charge of taking the questionnaires as members leave the event. This is a great time to exchange their information for a free thank you gift, like a bumper sticker, etc. This also provides an excellent opportunity for the questionnaire to reviewed for clarity and completeness.

7. These questionnaires will provide your organization with key information that can be critical in your volunteer efforts. Be sure to request the following information:
   1. Best points of contact. For example, ask if they prefer to receive text messages or email, etc.
   2. Ask if they prefer to receive information from you at work or at their home.
   3. Ask where they are employed and what their specific job is there.
   4. Ask what other organizations they actively work with.
   5. Find out what their hobbies and interests are.
   6. List 10 volunteer committees and ask which three they would be most interested in helping with.
   7. Ask them how many hours they can contribute to your organization per month.

8. Above all else ... Ask people for their help and Thank them when you get it. A great group of volunteers can make or break an organization. We always remind people that T.E.A.M. stands for Together Everyone Achieves More.

Tips & Warnings

• If your organization works around schools or other youth organization then you should require a criminal background check be completed on anyone wanting to volunteer for your events. This is critical to the safety and piece of mind for all.

[jcoolcash11]

on 6/29/2009 Fantastic tips on increasing voluneers for your booster club! RRCR5*

[musicdeb]

on 6/25/2009 Great advice!
5*