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Volunteers can bring energy, skills, ideas and community connections to your organization. But finding them isn’t always easy.
If you’re struggling to find volunteers, the answer may not simply be to advertise more widely. Start by looking at the opportunity itself: Why would someone want to do this?
People have many demands on their time. A good volunteer opportunity gives something back — whether that’s a chance to make a difference, meet people, spend time outdoors, learn something, use existing skills, or become part of a community.
Here are some ways to attract the right people.
People volunteer because they want to contribute.
Whenever possible, offer work where volunteers can see the connection between what they are doing and the difference it makes.
Instead of simply asking for “volunteers,” explain:
Even routine tasks become more appealing when people understand their purpose.
And wherever possible, give volunteers some ownership. Invite their ideas, trust them with meaningful responsibilities, and let them see the results of their contribution.
Volunteering isn't a one-way transaction. Different people are looking for different things.
They might want to:
Think about what is genuinely appealing about your opportunity — and say so.
Don't manufacture perks that aren't there. Instead, recognize the real human reasons someone might enjoy being involved.
Compare:
“Volunteers needed to assist with invasive species removal.”
with:
“Spend a Saturday morning outdoors helping restore one of our community's favourite natural areas. You'll work alongside other volunteers to remove invasive plants and give native species room to thrive. No experience necessary — we'll show you what to do.”
Both describe essentially the same activity. But the second helps people imagine themselves participating.
A volunteer posting should feel like an invitation, not a job description.
Use friendly, everyday language. Explain what the experience will actually be like. A photo of real volunteers in action can also help enormously.
Sometimes organizations unintentionally make volunteering sound harder than it is.
Before requiring an application, résumé, references, interview, orientation session or long-term commitment, ask whether each step is really necessary.
Some roles genuinely require careful screening and substantial training. Many don't.
If someone can simply join you for a Saturday morning, say so. If no experience is necessary, make that prominent. If people can try it once before deciding whether to return, that's worth mentioning too.
Small commitments can lead to big ones. Someone who wouldn't promise six months might happily come to one event — enjoy it, meet people and become one of your most dedicated volunteers.
Don't make prospective volunteers work to figure out what's involved.
Include the basics:
The easier it is to picture the experience, the easier it is to say yes.
Posting on your own website and social media is a good start — but those channels mostly reach people who already know you.
Look for places where people interested in the activity, cause or community are already gathering.
Depending on the opportunity, that might include community associations, environmental groups, schools and campuses, newcomer organizations, faith communities, outdoor clubs, professional associations, neighbourhood groups, libraries, community centres and specialized volunteer or environmental networks.
And, of course, post volunteer opportunities on GoodWork to reach people specifically looking for ways to contribute to environmental and community initiatives.
Don't overlook your existing supporters either. Newsletter subscribers, former volunteers, donors, event participants and friends of your organization may be your best source of new volunteers.
Volunteering is easier when you don't have to walk into a room full of strangers.
Encourage existing volunteers to invite a friend, partner, family member or colleague. For suitable activities, explicitly say:
“Bring a friend — newcomers are welcome.”
This simple invitation can make participation much less intimidating.
Recruitment doesn't end when somebody signs up.
Reply promptly. Tell them where to go, who they'll meet and what to expect. When they arrive, greet them. Introduce them to others. Make sure someone knows their name.
This matters especially for someone coming alone.
A volunteer's first hour with your organization may determine whether you ever see them again.
Volunteers are giving you something valuable.
Be organized. Start when you say you'll start. Have useful work ready. Don't bring in ten people when you only have work for three.
At the same time, don't treat volunteers simply as free labour. Include them in conversations. Explain what's happening. Listen to their ideas. Give them opportunities to learn and take on more responsibility if they're interested.
People are much more likely to return when they feel that their contribution genuinely matters.
The best volunteer recruitment strategy is often retention.
Thank people. Learn their names. Keep in touch. Tell them what happened after the event or project they helped with.
Instead of:
“Thanks for volunteering.”
you might be able to say:
“Thanks to everyone who came Saturday. Together we planted 240 native trees along the creek. We couldn't have done it without you.”
People want to know that showing up made a difference.
And when volunteers have a good experience, they'll often tell others.
The strongest volunteer programs aren't necessarily those with the biggest recruitment campaigns.
They're places where people feel useful, welcomed and connected to something that matters.
So if you're having trouble finding volunteers, ask more than:
“Where can we advertise?”
Also ask:
Get those things right, and finding volunteers becomes much easier.
Note: The above is provided on an "As Is" basis and for general informational purposes only. People and Planet (also known as "GoodWork") is not responsible for the content, accuracy, timeliness, completeness, legality, reliability, quality or suitability of this posting. We do not screen or endorse the organizations or individuals involved. If you decide to accept an offer of employment, volunteering or any other arrangement, you do so at your own risk and it is your responsibility to take all protective measures to guard against injury, abuse, non-payment or any other loss. Please read our full Terms & Conditions.