by Rosterfy (Platinum Sponsor for the AVM Conference 2024)

With formal volunteering numbers on the decline, organisations face increasing challenges in finding committed volunteers. Not only are they competing with other programs, but they also contend with a growing trend of volunteers opting for paid work or other lifestyle commitments.

To address these challenges, the modern volunteer application journey must eliminate friction, enhance visibility regarding application status, and encourage a deeper understanding of the causes volunteers support. 

Volunteers need to feel that their time is respected, their contributions valued, and that you are committed to clear communication. An effective volunteer application journey is essential.

To foster engagement and support, especially for returning volunteers, it’s crucial to focus on the entire experience from initial interest to active participation. 

Today’s volunteers have specific expectations. Failing to meet these needs can hinder your ability to fill roles and ultimately limit your fundraising potential.

An effective volunteer journey typically includes the following key components:

1. Clear Communication: Provide concise information about your organization’s mission, values, and volunteer opportunities. Use straightforward language and visuals for better accessibility.

2. User-Friendly Application Process: Design an application form that is simple and easy to navigate, with a limited number of questions and helpful guidance.

3. Personalized Outreach: Acknowledge applications promptly and consider personalized follow-ups to make applicants feel valued and informed about next steps.

4. Training and Orientation: Offer comprehensive training to equip volunteers with necessary skills. Orientation sessions help build a sense of community among volunteers.

5. Feedback Mechanism: Establish channels for applicants to share their experiences, which can help improve the process for future volunteers.

6. Supportive Environment: Create a welcoming atmosphere where volunteers feel supported and engaged. Implement mentorship or buddy systems for newcomers.

7. Recognition and Growth Opportunities: Highlight ways for volunteers to develop skills or take on leadership roles, along with recognition programs to celebrate their contributions.

8. Ongoing Communication: Keep volunteers updated about organizational news, upcoming events, and additional opportunities to get involved.

By focusing on these elements, organizations can craft a positive and effective volunteer applicant journey that attracts and retains dedicated volunteers.

How Volunteer Management Software Enhances the Volunteer Experience

Many organisations recognise the importance of creating an engaging volunteer experience, yet they often struggle with recruitment and retention. The challenge lies in the availability of resources and time.

Addressing the issue of limited time and personnel comes down to how effectively teams utilise their resources. If staff are constantly managing volunteer enquiries, screening, training, and scheduling, they will struggle to refine and improve the volunteer experience.

For example, British Heart Foundation (BHF) successfully reduced the time spent on volunteer applications, screening, and onboarding while creating an engaging experience with Rosterfy, even while managing thousands of volunteers.

The key to this success is automation. By implementing workflows and tailored application journeys for each role, BHF were able to ensure that all supporters, whether involved in retail operations or on-site action teams, complete all necessary steps efficiently.

Fit around your supporters lifestyle with a modern volunteering app

Rosterfy’s volunteer app is designed to ensure that volunteer programs are accessible and flexible, accommodating the varied lifestyles and time commitments of today’s volunteers. 

The seamless experience for volunteers between the desktop application process and the Rosterfy volunteer app allows your supporters to access their volunteering profile when it’s convenient for them.

The app notifies your volunteers of new volunteer opportunities and can be used by volunteers to update their details or apply for roles on the go. Help them balance their work, family and personal commitments and make your volunteering programme more accessible to them with a modern, slick and engaging app.

Summary: By creating a consistent and highly accessible volunteer application journey across mobile and desktop you can ensure more people support your cause and offer their time towards your goals.

Want to know more? If you attended the AVM Conference this year, you can watch a replay of Rosterfy’s Sam Bennett facilitating his Workshop session – How to create a Volunteer Journey that works! – when the videos are made available for delegates.

You can also visit Rosterfy’s website for more information.