Stop scrambling for warm bodies. Write roles people actually want, find volunteers where they already are, and screen for fit without scaring good people off — so the volunteers you recruit are the ones who stay.

Recruiting Volunteers Who Show Up

For volunteer coordinators, nonprofit and ministry staff, and anyone who writes volunteer listings. Assign it before a recruitment push, or work through the role-description template together in a session. Pairs with the recruitment-channels and screening modules in this collection.

"We need volunteers!" is the plea that repels the people you most want. This module shows you how to turn a vague request for help into a specific, compelling role people say yes to — covering the five things every great volunteer role makes clear, a before-and-after rewrite you can copy, and a one-page template you'll use on your next opening.

Write a Volunteer Role People Actually Want

For volunteer coordinators and program leaders planning a recruitment push. Pairs with the role-writing module (write the role first, then place it). Work through the channel-mapping exercise in a session, or assign before a recruitment campaign.

Most "volunteer shortages" are really reach problems. This module shows you where volunteers actually come from — starting with the warm network you already have, then matching each opening to the right channel — plus the specific, personal ask that turns a maybe into a yes.

Find Volunteers Where They Already Are

For volunteer coordinators and anyone who interviews or onboards volunteers. Closes the recruiting collection. Use the screening-conversation guide and the graceful-no scripts in a session, or assign before an intake round. Connects to the Safeguarding collection for higher-risk roles.

Screening isn't gatekeeping — it's matchmaking. This module shows you how to right-size your screening to the actual risk of the role, run a warm two-way conversation that reveals fit, and say "no" or "not yet" with enough grace that the person stays a friend of your cause.