A successful volunteer recruitment message will always answer the following questions for the interested individual:

Remember that volunteers come to you because of something they want — not something you want. Does your organization think about this when you are looking for volunteers? By developing an effective recruitment message, you will appeal to the potential volunteer's motivation (remember the four motivators in Module 2) and attract him or her to become part of your organization.

The recruitment message should include the following:

• a position title
• a motivational appeal to the potential volunteer
• an outline of the basic requirements of the position
• a contact name
• an outline of the training or support that is available for the volunteer

Never use a word like "desperate" in your recruitment message. Even saying "volunteers needed" without being more specific sends the wrong message. The potential volunteer may well think that you are simply looking for a "warm body" to fill a position.