This document discusses strategies for recruiting adult volunteers. It identifies four main types of volunteers: workers, consumers, activists, and workers. For each type, it outlines their typical motivations and what might attract them to volunteer. Workers are motivated by structure, social connections, and learning, and are attracted to opportunities for skill development. Consumers value flexibility and limited time commitments, and prefer episodic, family-friendly projects. Activists want to make an impact and connect to a cause. The document also lists tools that can help engage and support volunteers as unpaid workers.

1. FINDING “FRIENDS”
RECRUITING ADULT VOLUNTEERS
Abigail Elder
Friends Connection, January 22, 2013

2. A rose by any other name…
Volunteer Committee
 Unpaid work  Project
 Consultant  Board
 Pro-bono  Team
 Volunteer Title  Collaboration
 Bookseller, fundraiser,  Community “issue”
tutor, coordinator

3. Worker
 Structure
 Social collegiality
 Sense of Identity
 Promotion

4. Consumer
 Limited time
 Flexibility
 Variety
 Family obligations

5. Activist
 Giving back
 Connect to the cause
 Make a difference
 Goal-oriented

6. Worker
Motivations Attractions
 Structure  Development
 Social collegiality
opportunities
 Learning/trainings
 Sense of
Accomplishment  Group
work/committees
 Ongoing Learning
 Upgrade Technology
Skills

7. Consumer
Motivations Attractions
 Limited time  Episodic
 Flexibility  Family project
 Variety
 Sabbaticals/seasonal
 Time with family
 Volunteer
 Work from home

8. Activist
Motivations Attractions
 Giving back  Address a community need
 Literacy
 Connect with cause
 Financial, economic, digital,
 Make a difference health
 Goal-oriented  Example to others
 Great equalizer
 Democratic institution

9. Volunteers’ Unpaid Workers' Tools
 Desk
 Email account
 Business cards
 Feedback and input
 Regular opportunities for socializing
 Variety of recognition
 Training

10. FINDING FRIENDS
RECRUITING ADULT VOLUNTEERS
Abigail Elder
Friends Connection, January 22, 2013