June 14, 2008 - 1:05am — sagestar
Is it too much to ask for?
I need a way to ask my peers to volunteer with me in my youth venture, but I need a way to ask them so it doesn't like like I'm asking too much. My youth venture will take a lot of time and effort, so I don't really want to lie to my friends about the hours they would need to put into it. But I can't think of anybody that I know who isn't so busy that they have time for a huge project.
What should I do? How do I ask? What kind of people should I ask?
I need dedicated, honest, musically talented (for the volunteer work), hard- working, organized volunteers to carry out my youth venture.
Re: Is it too much to ask for?
Why don't you ask people who care about the same things you do, who really believe in the cause you are working for? I don't think they will mind. If potential volunteers are musicians, they will probably be happy for the opportunity to play and get recognized.
You can recognize your volunteers through pizza parties, thank you notes, small gifts and of course by saying thank you often. As people are recognized and see the good works that they are doing, they are more likely to keep coming back.
Re: Is it too much to ask for?
Yep! I'd focus on communicating the benefits of contributing to the Venture. Rather than asking them to volunteer, ask them to help change X (whatever your cause is) by doing Y (whatever volunteer role is a good fit for them). Make sure they understand how their unique skills or talents will contribute to making a difference.
Also, how can you help them envision the positive results of their work before they actually start? (E.g. share a story of how you've seen this type of work make an impact). You might try conveying the individual benefits of participating. For example, will they build skills for future jobs? Be able to count this as community service? Gain recognition as a leader in the community?
Another strategy is to make the tasks very defined. Rather than signing up as a volunteer, they can sign up as a stage manager, refreshment managers, host or hostess, set-up manager, etc. Having a clear role and responsibility can be very attractive.
As far a finding people, my first strategy would probably be word-of-mouth. If someone is too busy, can they help you find someone else? You might try volunteermatch.org or idealist.org. I've used volunteermatch before with some success. If there are nonprofits in your community with similar missions, their staff may be willing to serve as volunteers or to help you connect with their people they know who might be willing to help.
Hope this helps!