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Involving young volunteers|

People volunteer for a variety of reasons and we're all motivated and inspired in different ways. If you're specifically targetting the 16-25 age group follow these tips to get more young people on board.

Recruit

Going places – Recruit young volunteers in places where young volunteers would be:

Schools/colleges/universities;
Make links with the support systems that are already in place for this age group, such as Connexions, youth workers and foyers, and get referrals from them;.
Use the internet, including social networking sites, and keep these fresh and updated.

Promote - Let young people know what volunteering has to offer:

Your language and tone should be youth friendly and genuine rather than patronising;
The word 'volunteering' maybe a turn off, think creatively when promoting and sell the opportunity itself or the benefits of being involved;
Be specific, let the volunteer know what they can expect and what they will get in return if they get involved;
Use your current young volunteers to spread the word and help with your marketing.

Involve

Taking the lead - Ways to make their opinions matter:

Ask how they want to be involved and listened to and make sure you act on this;
If you're going to ask for a different point of view ensure you can listen to what's being said and can do something about it;
Make it easy for young volunteers to have a say - let them drop-in, text, email or send in a postcard;
Involve volunteers at different levels; being an ambassador won't suit everyone.

Hanging on – Retaining young volunteers:

Say a great big thank you even if it is in a small way;
Create plans with the volunteer and make sure they are given the option to progress;
Offer support and supervision; ask them 'how are you getting on?'

Create

Remember your audience – Create opportunities to suit your volunteers:

Be flexible when creating opportunities and consider creating some short term or virtual opportunities;
Make the opportunities meaningful and let the volunteer know what difference they'll be making;
Uncover the incentives, sell the experience, the skills they'll gain and the benefits for their CV;
Make it fun - volunteering has to compete with other activities so it must stand out;
Check the volunteer will be entering into a good quality environment and opportunity.

How to specify if the opportunity is suitable for 16 – 25 year olds

Need more help?

To explore these topics even further and learn how you can recruit, involve and create opportunities for young volunteers in your organisation, contact us about our new workshop.