​Be Volunteer Strong | Session 4 : Volunteer Recruitment & Onboarding

​What is Be Volunteer Strong?

​Be Volunteer Strong is a monthly learning and experience-sharing series by Humans of Volunteering (HOV) designed to help non-profits build stronger volunteer infrastructure.

​Over 10 sessions, non-profit leaders and community builders will come together to discuss the realities of volunteer engagement, exchange experiences, learn from one another, and explore practical approaches to strengthening volunteer systems.

​Session 4 : Volunteer Need Assessment & Project Scoping

​Many organizations invest significant time and effort in finding volunteers. But recruitment is only the beginning. The real question is: How do we attract the right volunteers and ensure they have a meaningful start to their journey?

​A thoughtful recruitment and onboarding process not only helps organizations find volunteers who are aligned with their mission, but also creates a positive first experience that encourages volunteers to stay engaged and contribute with confidence.

​In this session, we'll explore how to recruit intentionally, onboard effectively, and create a volunteer journey that is welcoming, structured, and purpose-driven.

​We will discuss:

• ​Identifying and attracting the right volunteers for your organization

  • ​Choosing recruitment channels that work for your context

• ​Writing clear and engaging volunteer role descriptions

• ​Screening, selection, and setting expectations

• ​Designing an effective volunteer onboarding and orientation process

​Interactive Elements:

• ​Experience sharing from participating organizations

• ​Reviewing real volunteer recruitment journeys

• ​Auditing volunteer role descriptions and recruitment messages

• ​Peer discussions and collaborative problem-solving

​Expectations

​Participants are encouraged to:

• ​Join with at least one more team member for diverse perspectives

• ​Bring examples of how your organization currently recruits volunteers

• ​Share both successful and challenging recruitment experiences

• ​Be open to learning from peers and exchanging ideas

​This session is designed to be practical, conversational, and collaborative.

​Pre-Requisite

​Before attending, please spend 15–20 minutes reflecting on:

• ​How do volunteers currently discover your organization?

• ​What does a volunteer experience from their first enquiry to their first day of volunteering?

• ​What information do you currently share with new volunteers before they begin?

• ​Think of one recruitment or onboarding experience that worked well—and one that could have been better. What made the difference?

​About The Good Engine

​This session is exclusively available to members of The Good Engine.

​Through curated learning opportunities, peer support, resources, and conversations, The Good Engine aims to help organizations become Volunteer Strong.

​Not yet a part of The Good Engine? Register here to join our NGO Network : https://tally.so/r/0Qbj2A

​About Humans of Volunteering (HOV)

​Humans of Volunteering is a social impact organization dedicated to strengthening volunteerism through storytelling, community building, volunteer engagement programs, and capacity-building initiatives.

​Over the years, HOV has worked with nonprofits, corporates, schools, and citizens to create meaningful volunteering experiences and celebrate the people who choose to do good.

​Learn more at: www.humansofvolunteering.com