Build connections
Build connections
Building strong connections in the community is an important step in recruiting volunteers. If we have good links with parents, carers, friends and families of young people, making “the ask” is easier and more effective.
This can be something that the whole team can be part of and should continue all year round. If you can get to know the adults a little better and give them a chance to see what an excellent bunch of people support the group already, they will be more open to getting involved themselves. This will also help you to identify potential leaders to ask.
Parents are our best cheer leaders, spreading the word about our groups. This could also extend to recruitment - ask parents and carers who they could ask to be a volunteer.
Here are some tools and resources to help you plan to build more connections for recruitment and don’t forget to join a volunteer recruitment workshop for more tips and ideas.
Jack's Story
Cub leader Jack realised that the parents and carers of his Cub Pack didn't know the leaders very well. To change this, he wrote short bios next to friendly photos of each leader, publishing them online and creating a board at HQ. This helped his team seem more approachable, and has helped them get to know the families of their Cubs better.
Yasmin's Story
Beaver Leader Yasmin and her team decided that they needed to build better connections with parents. They asked their GSL to stand at the gate of their HQ to say “hello” and chat to parents at the end of each week’s session. This resulted in closer ties between parents and the Scout group and the team are sure that this will soon lead to more parents getting involved.
To watch in full screen, double click the video