Boost recruitment success with effective strategies, including elevator pitches, marketing resources, connection building, and more
Challenge: Many Brigade Leaders have trouble marketing Global Brigades concisely and convincingly.
Solutions:
- Take the time to truly understand Global Brigades. This will help when you're marketing, as it will demonstrate that you confidently know what you are talking about.
- Use a simple elevator pitch that clearly communicates how Brigade volunteers are part of a bigger picture. Here's an example:
"As volunteers with Global Brigades, we are part of a renowned international development organization, working alongside local staff and community partners to resolve health and economic disparities. We volunteer for one week to support on-the-ground, full-time work in [your Brigade country]. - Utilize resources like marketing kits. One great resource in those kits is the information session slides, which contain all the information you'll need to communicate to prospective volunteers about your Brigade country.
Challenge: Many Brigade Leaders struggle to keep volunteers because of the Donation Goal and fear of fundraising.
Solutions:
- Develop interest and connection with prospective volunteers before mentioning the Donation Goal.
- Understand that the fundraising you and other volunteers do goes toward sustainable year-round programs. Refer to annual reports for financial transparency and impact data.
- Encourage volunteers to participate in fundraisers and apply for scholarships.
Challenge: There are many opportunities for students to volunteer abroad. Additionally, people want to know what makes this volunteer opportunity with Global Brigades different from the rest.
Solutions:
- Try partnering with competing organizations to host events. This will promote collaboration and unity and potentially attract new volunteer members.
- Talk about how Global Brigades is different and unique compared to other international volunteer opportunities (e.g. Global Brigades promotes sustainability, year-round teams, monitoring and evaluation, holistic programming).
Challenge: It's difficult to keep someone interested when recruiting for a Brigade so far in advance. It's also challenging to keep volunteers returning to a Brigade on a year-to-year basis.
Solutions:
- Include returning members in the decision-making and leadership positions. They likely have a lot of passion, which can help other volunteers become more engaged and involved.
- Aim to have a diverse group of leaders and volunteers. This helps to create more opportunities for belonging and authentic connections for all group members.