What Do Campaign Volunteers Need?

Strong volunteer leadership is essential to capital campaign success. But what do volunteers need to be successful partners?

• Clear Expectations

• Ownership

• Community & Connection

• Measurable Impact

Clear Expectations

Share clear campaign goals and objectives. Explain how this work will increase your capacity. And then make sure they know who to call with questions. (Hint: this is not the Executive Director, but someone who is able to answer most of the time, enjoys talking with volunteers and answering their questions, and can actually make decisions).

Ownership

This one can be tricky, but campaign volunteers should be your strategic advisers. Many have experienced campaigns before - as donors and volunteers - and want to be engaged partners. Listen to them and give them tasks they can own.

Community & Connection

Part of why volunteers give their time and donors give their money is because of connection; to the cause and to other supporters. Make community part of your campaign. Get volunteers together regularly. Send special campaign communications. Call out successes and celebrate often!

Measurable Impact

Campaigns are a marathon; do not wait to the end to report success to your volunteers. Report work to date and success regularly. Make it clear where their hard work has made an impact. Always report back response or gifts from their connections and include volunteers in sending their thanks.