For information call us on: 0845 300 1818

Recruitment: a fresh approach

Help out at local events

Overview:

If you want to let people in your area know that you are there, the best way is to make sure that you are seen in your local community. You could take your Section to a local event and either help out or put on a display. Or perhaps take them to a local supermarket to pack shopping bags, raising some funds whilst raising awareness. Whatever you are doing, make sure that you appear approachable and have a plan as to how you will follow up interested people.

Top tips:

• Find out what is going on in your local area! You may get a local newsletter or a local newspaper that will contain some of this information, or you may know of a local website. Check the noticeboards of local community centres and enquire about different communities’ events and festivals.
• Get in touch with the organiser by ringing the contact number (if there is one) or by searching for further information on the internet. Let them know what you are intending to do, for example, attract new adults to Scouting whilst helping out – they may be able to give you advice on what to do or where to set up a stand to get the best possible results.
• Take some promotional material along with you, including something with a local contact number on it so that interested people know who to contact in order to get involved. Hand out as many leaflets as you can to as many people as you can.
• Be friendly! When you talk to people, make sure you sell Scouting to them. Make them aware of the benefits Scouting will offer them as well as the benefits it will have for the local community.

Case studies:

The City of Bath District

The City of Bath District helped out at the Bath Half Marathon. They had a total of 18 Scouts, 6 Explorers and 11 Leaders in uniform handing out various refreshments to the runners. From helping out at this event, they managed to get two names of people who were interested in helping. However, they noticed that most people running the half marathon were from outside of Bath. They believe that they spoke to around 20 people from across the Country who were seriously interested in helping Scouting and gave them the Information Centre’s contact details.

Support material:

Promotional material:

• CH735100: Want Adventure? (Recruitment poster)
• LT1851019: Adult Support promotional leaflet (also available in Welsh)

Leaflets and posters can be ordered online using the ‘Information Centre Catalogue’ link below. Alternatively, order from the Information Centre (0845 300 1818)

Further Information (Links):