How to find volunteers
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Word of mouth
Let people in the community know about your initiative and what you are looking for from prospective volunteers. Ask staff, family and other volunteers to spread the word.
Local newspapers and school newsletters
Write an advertisement for volunteers with information about the upcoming initiative and your contact details. Include a photo or something visual to make it stand out. If you advertise this way, more vetting of prospective volunteers may be required as this method generally attracts a lot of interest.
Local groups
Talk to groups in your community such as churches, community centres,volunteer centres, Probus, Age Concern, Grey Power, SeniorNet, University of the Third Age (U3A), Lions Clubs and Returned Services Associations.
What to look for
It is important to determine what you are looking for in a volunteer before you put the word out as not all of the people who respond will be suitable.
Some useful skills to look for are:
- positive outlook
- specific experience relevant to your initiative
- sound judgment and common sense
- communication skills
- commitment
- people skills
- ability to be non-judgmental
- preparedness to have police security clearance.
Meeting volunteers
Meeting a volunteer is an opportunity to get to know them, clarify expectations, and to allow the volunteer to do the same.
While every school will have their own orientation procedures and protocols, it is important to talk about the roles and responsibilities of the volunteer and their support requirements.
Orientation period
It has been found to be helpful to use an orientation period before a volunteer officially starts in their role.
The prospective volunteer may undertake a few specific tasks, attend any volunteer meetings and support sessions.
The orientation period gives the volunteer time to adjust to the role and decide if it is right for them. It also provides an opportunity for the school to observe how the volunteer fits in with students, staff and other volunteers.
