Get creative with volunteering opportunities
Getting new volunteers on board is an exciting, yet challenging, task. To turn clicks into volunteers you will have to start off with an appealing opportunity. Here are three powerful tips that will help you stand out!
1) Come Up with a Captivating Title
First impressions are everything. Use your title to describe, in a few words, what the volunteer will be doing. Be sure to keep it around 6 words or 40 characters, as only a portion will be shown in the opportunity overview.
Do
✅ Clearly state the position or activity the volunteer will be engaging in (e.g. 'Event coordinator at homeless shelter' or 'Help develop a marketing strategy').
✅ Try to connect people to your cause (e.g. Donate blood and save lives!)
Don't
❌ Use vague or one-worded titles (e.g. ‘volunteer', ‘coordinator’ or ‘employee’)
❌ Include dates in the title - if the activity takes place on a holiday add this in brackets
❌Specify the organisation's name - it will already be shown under your title
2) Pick an Attractive Cover Photo
Before digging up your old photo archives or venturing into the world of stock images, think about the cause you stand for and the subject of the event. The right images do an excellent job at conveying a certain ‘vibe’ that sparks viewers’ interest.
If you cannot find any quality images of previous events, make sure to visit these stock image websites: unsplash.com , pikwizard.com or pexels.com.
Do
✅ Use images that illustrate what your cause or activity is about
✅ Show smiling people and team photos!
Don’t
❌ Use logos or text as your cover photo
❌ Settle for low quality or irrelevant photos - quality images portraying a specific activity may be hard to find so you may choose to communicate the cause you stand for instead
❌ Use the same image for every event or vacancy
3) Write a Comprehensive Description
Congratulations, you have now grabbed a potential volunteer’s interest! All that is left to do is specify what you’ll be expecting from them and the impact they will make. The description should include both an overview of the role or deed and qualities you look for in a volunteer. Try to keep it between 5-8 lines.
We have developed an easy structure for you to follow:
1. The details
Explain in more detail what the role or activity of the event / vacancy entails. Use examples! (Looking for ... to do A…) (Activities include B…)
2. Get them enthusiastic!
How the volunteers will be making a difference or how they can benefit from doing this activity. (Benefits consist of C,D, and E…, You are contributing to a day they will never forget... )
3. Describe your ideal volunteer
It's ok to be specific about what you seek in a volunteer, just make sure you clarify which things are required and which are 'nice to have'. (You will have to be available… or It would be great if you have some experience with...).
Don’t
❌ Go into too much detail about the organisation - this is what your ‘about' page is for.
❌ Use one sentence