Eight Tips for Recruiting New Volunteers

1. Ask! People are more willing to volunteer for a project if they are personally asked by someone else who is involved.
2. Keep an ongoing file of possible club volunteers and add to it by soliciting new names from local alumni.
3. Announce that new volunteers are needed in club mailings, in e-mails, and at club events.
4. Contact past event attendees.
5. Plan special events with the goal of recruiting new volunteers.
6. Assign each board member or volunteer the task of recruiting at least one new volunteer each year.
7. Always leave space on mailings for alumni to indicate an interest in volunteering.
8. Remind potential alumni volunteers of the many benefits of volunteering.

Benefits of volunteering

• Meet alumni from around the world and develop lasting friendships.
• Help shape current and future life at the University of Chicago with insider access to the administration.
• Gain or enhance your leadership, communication, problem-solving, consensus, and team-building skills—skills that can help your professional career.
• Get valuable training opportunities by attending the annual Alumni Volunteer Leadership Caucus.
• Get in touch with current Chicago students and their energy, enthusiasm, and fresh ideas.
• Utilize great tools and updates online, via e-mail, and in print.
• Build your career opportunities as you are challenged with new roles or opportunities.
• Get satisfaction from giving back and making a real difference.
• Have lots of fun!