By Beth Mulcahy, Esq.

  1. Provide social opportunities in the association where people get to know each other and have fun! People want to help people that they know personally.
  2. The best way to get volunteers is to ASK!
  3. Advertise for volunteers in as many different venues as possible. Repeated pleas will have an effect.
  4. Volunteers want constructive meaningful work, write a job description.
  5. Match the volunteer to the job; if someone hates bookkeeping do not ask him/her to do the budget or be treasurer.
  6. Increase effectiveness by providing adequate preparation, training and tools.
  7. Recognition should be meaningful and fair. If you reward volunteers who are not doing well you will de-motivate other volunteers.
  8. Recognition does not have to cost money. Give a smile, and most importantly a “thank you”. Certificates of appreciation at the annual meeting, a note of thanks up-on completion of a project, a birthday card, etc.
  9. It starts at the top, proactive motivators garner results.

Good Luck!