Finding volunteers continues to be one of THE biggest barriers tuckshops face.
The volunteer landscape has changed immensely over the past decade and it seems to get harder with each passing year.
If you’re hoping to try something new or take a different approach to your recruitment efforts, we’ve put together some simple tips to help get you started.
1. Categorise Opportunities
Let people know what you need. Are you seeking donations of goods or help for a theme day or sports carnival? Do you need regular volunteers to cover weekly shifts? How much time will they need to commit? Be up front and clear in your callouts.
2. Break it down
Break down the opportunities into tasks. Ask for help with specific jobs, like “baking muffins for the week”, “labelling bags”, “serving students”, “making snack packs” etc. Advertising tasks with clear time commitments lets people know what to expect when they put their hands up.
3. Highlight the benefits
Let your potential volunteers know about how good it feels to give back to the school community. Remind them of the warm fuzzy feeling they’ll get when they see dozens of smiling faces at the tuckshop counter. Remind them it’s a great opportunity to meet other parents and have some fun.
4. Be seen
Get the message out to as many people as possible. Post in community Facebook groups, hang posters around the school and local community hang-outs, like coffee shops and sporting venues, and book a spot in the school newsletter.
5. Volunteering is for everyone
In most cases, no experience is necessary, so market your tuckshop as a welcoming space for ALL.
6. Recognise to retain
It’s so important to let volunteers know how valued they are. Acknowledge their contributions every time they volunteer; small gestures can make big impacts. If they feel they are valued and respected members of your tuckshop team they will continue to give you their time and skills.
7. Engage with older members of the community
Aside from grandparents within your school community, there are lots of people in the wider community who might want to help out. Contact local community groups and services clubs in your area, such as Queensland Country Women’s Association, Zonta or Lions Australia.
