Welcome Back!
by Debbie Hommel, ACC/MC/EDU, CTRS
April is Global Volunteer Month, a month to honor the volunteers who dedicate their time to the community as well as to encourage volunteerism. One of the casualties of the Covid pandemic was the volunteer programs in our care communities. Outsiders were not permitted into the facility for almost two years. Currently, many activity and life enrichment departments are re-building the volunteer program to it’s pre-Covid days. There is some hesitancy of the volunteers to return to the health care setting and volunteers have filled their open time with other activities and responsibilities. Before initiating an active recruitment campaign, policies and guidelines for volunteers should be established regarding vaccinations and masks. Identify and create new orientation programs communicating infection control protocols for the volunteer.
Here are some recruitment ideas to build your Volunteer Corp once again.
-Update your volunteer materials. A well-organized volunteer program should have a volunteer application, volunteer orientation protocol, and a specific list of volunteer opportunities. Create infection control policies specific to the volunteers.
-Send a personal letter and invitation to the previous volunteers. A letter, sent through the mail, formally inviting the volunteer back to the center will gain some attention. The letter can be personalized to the person, acknowledging the individual’s volunteer job and how much the person and their assistance is missed. Involve the Resident Council President in co-signing the letter.
-Host a Volunteer Welcome Back social. Invite all the previous volunteers to this event but ask them to bring a friend or family member as well. Create a visual display, either photo collage or running video, of the volunteers in action. A volunteer job list and volunteer applications can be available for new applicants. Again, follow facility policies regarding outsiders in the building.
-Investigate local clubs and organizations. This information can be found in your local library or the Chamber of Commerce. These would include civic organizations such as VFW and specific interest clubs such as Garden Club, Antique Auto clubs and more.
-Schools and youth groups offer various options for volunteer support. Specialty schools focusing on dance, judo or music may be able to provide a complimentary show or demonstration.
-Social media now offers many opportunities to highlight volunteers in action. If your community has a Facebook page, post photos of volunteers in their particular roles. Gain permission of the volunteer before posting the photo.
-On-line recruitment sites are growing in number. Volunteermatch.org is the most popular. The volunteer job and location are posted. Individuals seeking volunteer opportunities in their area would find volunteer jobs in a search.
-Create a volunteer recruitment flyer. These flyers can be posted around town, in schools, local businesses and even left at the front desk. Be sure to keep the message simple, visuals attractive with clear contact information. Creating specialized recruitment messages may help gain specific volunteers for a program. For example, if seeking individuals to assist with a craft program – the volunteer flyer would emphasize this program and with permission, it could be posted in the local craft stores.
Life is different post Covid. We are defining new paths and new ways to do the things that occurred easily before. Re-building the volunteer program is one of those paths that needs help. It can be done with some creativity, interdisciplinary support and due diligence.
Consider the following resources for additional support:
Volunteer Management Resources on DH Special Services
includes many sites focusing on volunteer recruitment, recognition, and support materials.
Volunteer Management Resources |DH Special Services
Developing a Volunteer Program in Long Term Care
NCCAP Pre-approved Independent study/ Distance Education program
DH Special Services | DH Special Services
6-hour NCCAP approved CE program
Can Someone Lend Me a Hand? | DH Special Services
Article on the Activity Professional’s Notebook