“Volunteers wear working boots but leave a trail of angel footprints.” Terri Guillemets
Without the time, talent, hard work, commitment, and passion of volunteers, most small nonprofits would cease to exist. When people say volunteers are the lifeblood of nonprofits, they’re not exaggerating.
Given the importance of volunteers, a strategically crafted Volunteer page is absolutely critical for generating a steady flow of volunteer leads into your organization. Here are the essential components of a successful Volunteer page on a small nonprofit website.
1) The Inspiration and Impact of Volunteers
Show people how your small nonprofit is making a difference. Explain the roles volunteers play in supporting your mission and inspire the next wave of volunteers by sharing stories of impact!
Share photos and videos of your volunteers in action. Share compelling data that validates the difference your nonprofit is making. Ask your volunteers for video or written testimonials that illustrate the reward and fulfillment of their work. Show how you recognize the efforts of your volunteers (volunteer of the month, appreciation luncheon, etc.).
In a nutshell, inspire them to become a part of your volunteer family and your cause!
2) Volunteer Options and Commitment
Of course, potential volunteers need to know the nuts and bolts of what their role will entail. Many volunteers will have set schedules, while others are called as needed for specific events, projects, and programs. Nonprofits need both!
Make sure you explain various roles and the level of commitment expected, prioritizing your greatest needs. And don’t forget to speak directly to people who are required by school and/or community organizations to complete a set number of volunteer hours!
Small nonprofits usually offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities, including but not limited to:
- Staffing or stocking (pantry, thrift shop, etc.)
- Administrative work
- Making deliveries
- Fundraising event staff (check in, serving, set up, break down, clean up, etc.)
- Mission-related assistance (food/clothing drive, planting trees, park cleanup, mentoring, pet fostering, community education events, etc.)
- Entertainment (live music, DJ, face painter, etc.)
- Publicity and media promotion
- Day of giving with a business or organization
3) Call-to-Action > How to Volunteer with Us
Remind people of the joy and reward of volunteering and tell them what to do next! Give them options, including a contact form, phone number, email, or even stopping by your physical offices to complete an application.
The contact form should take center stage because it’s the easiest and fastest way to respond. Instead of providing a detailed application out of the gates, keep in simple. Require only a name and email address, but include options for a phone number and the type of volunteer work that interests them. Consider a dropdown menu that includes available options.
Website visitors should be able to complete a contact form in a matter of seconds. Just make sure you have a process in place for responding to inquiries with a more detailed application and information. And test your contact form so you know it works!
Bonus tip: Your Volunteer page is about encouraging people to get involved and contribute, non-financially, to your organization. Just keep in mind that the vast majority of volunteers are also donors, and many people volunteer before making a financial contribution. Make sure that “donate” button is prominently displayed on every page of your website, including the Volunteer page!
