After years of research at Stanford University, we have discovered the best way to present Opportunities to volunteers that ensure long-term support and retention. At Golden, our mission is to make it as easy as possible to help individuals engage with and contribute to causes that resonate with their personal missions. And that means we want to help you - non-profits, organizers, and world-changing problem solvers - present Opportunities that are optimized to attract and retain as many supporters as possible.
Golden focuses on Opportunities that are actionable - which means that there is a specific next step for that volunteer to take. Sometime this means a specific time and place to be (in person or online!), or it may also mean a specific task to undertake.
Saying “we’ll make a schedule work for you!” sounds helpful, but actually is a deterrent (in one study, volunteers were 17x more likely to sign up for an Opportunity with specific times vs. one where they could follow up later to schedule a session).
Need to interview or train volunteers before they start their work? Roundtables, info sessions, and orientations are all extremely effective. We all know those people who “don’t have time to volunteer.” So why not give them another chance to engage with your organization (and potentially become a donor!)?
So, What makes an Opportunity Golden?
- The Photo sets the stage. The best images are horizontal, colorful but not overwhelming, and depict the role of the Opportunity. This is a great photo because it shows exactly what is going to take place in the Opportunity.
A good photo should:
- Depict the exact context of the volunteer activity
- Give the volunteer a clear idea of what they will be doing
- Not include logos or marketing materials
- This Title is fantastic because it is playful and concise, while suggesting a fun, social atmosphere (don't use the word "volunteer"! They already know that's what it's about!).
Based on our research we’ve found that opportunities perform best with titles that:- Are short, simple and positive
- Speak exactly to what volunteers will be doing
- DO NOT include the word "Volunteer"
- The Description is short but you know what you’ll be doing!
- The Purpose is a great place to relate what the volunteers will be doing to your organization’s mission.
- Notice how this organization encourages volunteers to invite their friends and family!
- Role and Vibe are extremely important in setting expectations. I like playing both basketball and poker, but if you got me excited to play basketball and then pulled out a deck of cards, I’d be disappointed.
- Volunteers may not need special skills (like, say, a law degree) but they should be aware of what they’ll be asked to do.
- Note: this drives volunteer retention more than any other!!!
- Volunteers may not need special skills (like, say, a law degree) but they should be aware of what they’ll be asked to do.
- Time and place: The Golden Volunteer app connects to the Calendar and GPS apps, so Volunteers automatically get reminders 24 hours ahead of time, the day of the Opportunity, and directions on how to get there. And remember - you can create Virtual and Flexible Opportunities too!
Questions? Contact us at support@goldenvolunteer.com