Volunteer Management Cycle

The recruitment process is an important component of the Volunteer Management Cycle. We discussed the first step of the Volunteer Management Cycle - requirements - in Module 3. The next steps - retention and recognition - will be examined more closely in modules 5 and 6. All of the components of this cycle must work together to ensure a successful volunteer program within your agency.

Sometimes, volunteer managers can feel overwhelmed trying to balance all the aspects of the Cycle. If one component breaks down, so will the others. Janet Lautenschlager of the Voluntary Action Directorate in Ottawa sums up the volunteer manager's role wonderfully in the following quote:

To run any volunteer program successfully, the manager of volunteers needs the interpersonal skills of a counsellor, the strategic approach of a planner and the acumen of a marketing executive.¹³

Recruitment is a step-by-step process within the Volunteer Management Cycle. Ensuring that you work through the process completely will help ensure effective recruiting.

Steps in the recruitment process include:

• Clearly identifying volunteer needs and position descriptions
• Knowing what you have to offer - the "cost/benefit analysis" of volunteering
• Planning an approach based on volunteer needs and position descriptions
• Implementing the plan
• Screening potential volunteers
• Providing proper orientation and training for new volunteers