Advice, Guidance and Recruitment
The Donegal Volunteer Centre encourages groups and organisations who are seeking
to recruit volunteers to think strategically about how they approach
the issue of attracting volunteers. We encourage groups to think about
the following questions before they begin to recruit volunteers:
- Why does your group want to involve volunteers?
- What does your group want from volunteers?
- What does your group want volunteers to do?
- What qualities/skills does your group want the volunteers to have?
- How will your group find volunteers?
-
How will your group select which volunteers you want?
-
How will your group manage the volunteers after selection?
If groups have thought through these questions, developed and clarified responses around these questions, there is a strong likelihood that the experiences of their volunteers will be positive enabling them to become committed and productive members of the group. The group will also be well placed to ensure that volunteering is a rewarding and mutually beneficial experience for both the volunteer and the organisation.
The Donegal Volunteer Centre encourages groups to treat volunteers in ways that are somewhat similar to that of their paid employees: ensuring a proper induction into the group; providing encouraging and constructive support and supervision; being clear with the volunteer about what is expected of them and who they can turn to if they have any concerns. Most importantly, volunteers should be thanked and their achievements should be recognised. We recognise achievements of local volunteers in our "Community Champions" section.
There is no doubt that the nature of volunteering is changing in Ireland with a greater emphasis on responsibilities and skills. New ways will need to be developed to attract, support and recognise the role of volunteers and to support the organisations in which they are involved. While this more formalised approach to volunteering may cause some groups concerns, the benefits of a more structured and considered process towards volunteering will become quickly apparent.
If your group would like support in any aspect of volunteering, please contact the Donegal Volunteer Centre by clicking here.
Advertise a Volunteer Vacancy on our website for FREE
If your community or voluntary organisation would like to recruit volunteers to work on community based projects in Donegal, you can do so for free by clicking here, and filling in the required details.
