If you need some quick tips on how to grow your volunteer drivers then you’ve come to the right place. Volunteer drivers play a crucial role in many organisations, such as non-profits, healthcare facilities, and community centres.
They are responsible for transporting people or goods to various destinations, often in areas where public transportation is not available. However, finding and retaining volunteer drivers can be challenging for these organizations. In this ebook, we will provide tips and strategies to help you grow your volunteer driver program.
Define Your Needs and Expectations
The first step in growing your volunteer driver program is to define your needs and expectations.
Determine the number of drivers you need, their availability, and the type of vehicle required for the job. Also, consider the expectations you have of your volunteers, such as punctuality, reliability, and communication skills. Clearly defining these requirements will help you attract the right volunteers and create a positive experience for everyone involved.
Recruit Volunteers
Once you have defined your needs and expectations, it’s time to recruit volunteers. There are several ways to do this, such as:
- Use social media: Share your need for volunteer drivers on your social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Encourage your followers to share the post with their networks.
- Ask current volunteers: Your current volunteers may know people who would be interested in volunteering as drivers. Ask them to spread the word to their friends and family.
- Host a volunteer fair: Hold an event to showcase your organization and the volunteer opportunities available. Invite local residents and community groups to attend.
- Reach out to local organizations: Contact local groups such as churches, community centres, and retirement homes to see if they have members who would be interested in volunteering.
Provide Training and Support
Once you have recruited volunteers, it’s important to provide them with the necessary training and support. This can include:
- Orientation: Give new volunteers an orientation that includes information about your organization, the expectations for volunteers, and safety guidelines.
- Driver training: Provide training on how to operate the vehicle safely and follow traffic rules.
- Ongoing support: Offer ongoing support to your volunteers, such as regular check-ins and opportunities to provide feedback.
Recognise and Appreciate Your Volunteers
Volunteer drivers are giving their time and energy to support your organization, so it’s essential to show your appreciation. Consider:
- Recognition events: Host an event to recognize your volunteers’ contributions and milestones.
- Thank you notes: Send personalized thank you notes to your volunteers to show your appreciation.
- Incentives: Offer incentives such as gift cards or recognition awards for volunteers who go above and beyond.
Retain Your Volunteers
Finally, to grow your volunteer driver program, it’s essential to retain your volunteers. Here are some tips:
- Provide opportunities for growth: Offer opportunities for your volunteers to take on new responsibilities or leadership roles.
- Regular communication: Keep your volunteers informed about the impact of their work and upcoming events.
- Offer flexibility: Be flexible with scheduling and consider volunteers’ personal commitments.
Summary
Growing your volunteer driver program takes time, effort, and dedication. By defining your needs, recruiting volunteers, providing training and support, recognizing and appreciating your volunteers, and retaining them, you can build a strong and effective volunteer driver program that benefits your organization and the community you serve.
