Abstract

When potential volunteers call with an inquiry about joining a program, the opportunity to sign them on should not be lost. The Friends Foster Grandparent Program in Concord, New Hampshire, found that incorporating a few simple best practices enabled them to successfully recruit these prospects. Program Director, Alane Hill, submitted this effective practice in February 2004.

Back to top

Issue

Making certain that potential volunteers who call about a program are supported through the process of becoming a volunteer — from practical steps to emotional considerations — is important in a program's recruitment strategy.

Back to top

Action

According to the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) director of the Friends Program in Concord, New Hampshire, follow these steps for turning telephone inquirers into volunteers:

• Use the same "pitch" when you're talking with a potential volunteer over the phone as you would when making a presentation or considering material for written media.
  
  
• Don't mail out applications after a phone inquiry. Too many of these applications never get sent back. If you have pre-qualified someone over the phone, immediately make an appointment to meet the individual at his or her home. Have the forms with you and have the prospective volunteer fill them out while you are there. A personal connection erases doubt.
  
  
• If you must mail an application, do not send the income review form with the mailed application to people you haven't met. This form scares many promising volunteers off because of personal information they must include — some seniors feel they don't want to mail this information to a stranger. Also, some people aren't sure how to fill them out, which creates another obstacle and additional doubt about being able to meet the program's requirements.
  
  
• Go over the income review form with the applicant in person at the home visit.
  
  
• Keep in contact with people who can't begin right away. Make follow-up calls on all promising applicants.
  
  
• Be sure every applicant knows you will work your hardest to accommodate their needs and preferences.

Back to top

Context

Founded in 1975, The Friends Program is a nonprofit, social service organization that strengthens communities by building relationships that empower people, encourage community service, and restore faith in the human spirit. A United Way agency, the organization strives to achieve this goal through the implementation of mentoring programs for at-risk youth; emergency housing for homeless families and medically challenged individuals; an intergenerational program that creates meaningful opportunities for seniors to work with children; and a volunteer service program that connects people of faith with elderly people in need of assistance to maintain their independent lifestyle.

A subsidiary of the Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association, the agency provides services to over 3,100 people annually with the assistance of over 630 volunteers. Services are offered in parts of six counties in New Hampshire through offices in Concord, Laconia, and Somersworth. The agency has a long history of providing cost-effective, community-based services that have been recognized by state agencies and community organizations.

Back to top

Outcome

Incorporating these effective practices when dealing with telephone inquiries helps turn potential volunteers into current volunteers.

Back to top

Posted On

February 23, 2004

Back to top

For More Information

Back to top

Related Practices

• Identifying a target market and using direct mail postcards and fliers to recruit Foster Grandparents
• Giving effective presentations to recruit Foster Grandparents

Back to top

Related sites

Senior Corps

• Login or register to post comments
• 
• Print-friendly page
• Send to friend