Volunteering is a major piece in conservation work. Many, many nonprofits have succeeded because of high volunteer engagement, but finding and retaining these passionate individuals can be challenging, especially in today’s busy world where people’s time is limited.
For environmental nonprofits, cultivating a strong, engaged volunteer base is essential, not only for accomplishing specific tasks but also for building a broader movement that drives change. Volunteers who feel appreciated, connected, and motivated become advocates, donors, and lifelong supporters of your mission. Creating an engaged volunteer base is more than just getting people to show up. It’s about cultivating a community of individuals who feel connected to the mission and who become long-term advocates, donors, and supporters. Volunteers who feel appreciated, included, and valued are more likely to stick around, contribute meaningfully, and even bring friends along.
Here are six effective strategies designed to help environmental organizations increase volunteer engagement and foster a thriving community of supporters:
1. Showcase Impact
Remember to share success stories and testimonials from current volunteers to show new volunteers the difference they’ll be making. When people see that change is being made, they’re more likely to join your organization.
Ideas:
Post before and after pictures of conservation work
Before and after pictures can communicate just how much work was done and how it couldn’t have been done without volunteers
Create videos that feature volunteers
Interview volunteers about their experiences and what they’ve learned to help new volunteers see what they’re getting into
Post infographics on the what the organization has done and wants to continue to do
Consider making ‘impact reports’ that showcase volunteers’ achievements to show what a difference the organization is making
2. Recognition and Appreciation
Volunteers should feel like they are a valuable contribution. When volunteers know they’re appreciated, they’re more likely to stay involved and develop a lasting commitment to the organization.
Ideas:
Volunteer appreciation events
Host an annual or semi-annual volunteer appreciation event where you give out awards or certificates.
An example of an award could be “Most Hours Volunteered” and you could give out certificates for volunteers who have been volunteering for over a year.
Post volunteer shout outs on social media
Create a “Volunteer of the Month” spotlight can encourage people to join and for current volunteers to continue volunteering
Exclusive perks
Give volunteers merch (t-shirts, water bottles, etc.) so that they can see that their efforts will give themselves tangible results. The volunteers wearing this merch outside of volunteering events will also spread the name of your organization.
3. Gamify Volunteering
“Gamification” is when game elements are included in something that is not usually considered a game. Many companies have gamified their customer/user experiences (customer rewards programs, Apple Watch fitness goals, Snapchat streaks, etc.) to increase engagement. Introducing these elements to volunteering can make it more fun and unique. This can also encourage friendly competition, which helps create tighter bonds and increase volunteer engagement.
Ideas:
Set up leaderboards
Leaderboards can track hours, events attended, and anything else. Leaderboards help to recognize top contributors, and this will motivate others to increase their own involvement.
Develop team-based challenges
Create challenges like “clean up 100 pounds of waste” or “host five events this month” and have rewards based upon the completion of these goals
Badge system
When milestones are achieved (number of hours volunteered, projects completed, etc.), hand out badges. Volunteers will want to collect badges, which will make them set up and achieve their own goals within the organization.
4. Utilize Social Media
Social media can be a powerful tool for reaching out to new volunteers and maintain current volunteers. Create engaging content about events the nonprofit is working on, and volunteers will feel more informed and connect to the mission.
Ideas:
Make regular event announcements and reminders
Regularly posting upcoming events will be very helpful to getting people to attend events.
Make interactive content
Examples include Q&A sessions, a ‘day in the life of a volunteer’ takeover, post infographics
5. Be Flexible
Flexibility is extremely important in today’s day and age, especially post-COVID. Many people have busy schedules that can’t fully commit to the traditional volunteering hours. In an ideal world, volunteers would be able to comfortably commit to a fixed schedule, but that isn’t something that everyone can do. Instead, work towards attracting a diverse group of people who work as much as they can with their own hectic schedules.
Ideas:
Short term projects
Clean up events are a good one-time event that also don’t require volunteers to need a background in anything specific before helping. Events like that are great for busy people who still want to make a difference.
Virtual volunteering
Virtual volunteering can include social media management, research, or content creation. Virtual opportunities are good for people who have limited mobility or unreliable transportation.
Weekend/evening opportunities
Organize events outside of a standard weekday so that working professionals can join as well. This will diversify the pool of people who are able to work with you.
6. Be a Community Outside of Volunteering Events
Creating a sense of community among volunteers can deepen their commitment to your organization and grow volunteer engagement. When volunteers feel connected to each other, they’re more likely to stay involved and even recruit others. Building a community beyond just volunteer events can turn casual volunteers into passionate advocates.
Ideas:
Host social events
Organize informal gatherings like getting coffee, going on a hike, or potluck so that volunteers can relax and get to know each other
Create a newsletter
Keep your community informed on what’s going on. This newsletter doesn’t have to only include information on upcoming work events. You can include a section on what certain volunteers do outside of volunteering or even a section on other community events
Skill-building workshops
Learning workshops on public speaking, plant identification, or anything really will be very helpful. Volunteers can learn skills they can use in other spaces and get to know conservation work as a whole.
Implementing these strategies can help environmental nonprofits build an engaged and close knit community that is dedicated to not just the same cause. Clear communication, appreciation, flexibility, and community-building are key to empowering individuals and building a sustainable support base for conservation efforts. In a world where environmental challenges grow increasingly urgent, creating a thriving volunteer base is more important than ever. With the right approach, environmental nonprofits can inspire people from all walks of life to join their mission, turning small, individual actions into a powerful collective movement for change. Volunteer engagement is pertinent to a long-lasting organization. Now is the time to invest in your volunteer program, build lasting relationships, and empower your community for a healthier world.
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