If you’re familiar with GivingTuesday, you’re well aware of the large amounts raised across the world for nonprofit organizations on that single day each year. But do you know over 76% of acts of generosity are non-monetary, meaning people are donating their time, talents, and other resources as well?
So why should you participate in GivingTuesday? Not only is this a great way to rally your members around a charity or cause your ministry supports, but it’s also a chance for you to run a volunteer recruitment campaign. And who doesn’t need more volunteers?
With GivingTuesday coming quickly, we’ve put together a few quick tips to help you plan your recruitment campaign.
Know What’s Needed
Evaluate your current volunteer needs and make a list of who you need to recruit. Take a look at your upcoming events, such as holiday gatherings and children’s activities, as well as ongoing ministries, such as greeters and parking attendants.
Think of specific roles you need to fill, times that volunteers need to be available, and how many volunteers you need to effectively hold each event or run your ministries.
Recruit Based on Skills
While many of us raised in church may know exactly what’s involved in being a volunteer, you may have many in your ministry who aren’t quite sure what it takes to fill different roles. Think about your volunteer roles based on the skills and talents needed to fulfill those roles.
Need more greeters for Sunday mornings? Recruit for “Outgoing individuals who can share a smile and good morning as worshippers walk through the church doors.” Positioning each role like this makes it easier for a person to find a role that fits their personality and skills.
Key Tip: If your church management software allows you, add skills needed to your volunteer opportunities so those interested can find roles based on their talents.
Set the Tone of #GivingTuesday
While we’re used to hearing about fundraising needs for GivingTuesday, set the tone of your campaign to be all about giving more than just treasure, but time and talents as well. Find a few members who are passionate about serving in your ministry and have them share the impact serving has had in their lives from the pulpit during announcements, in a quick video played before the church, or in a live video on social media. It doesn’t have to be a fancy production. The simplest of videos can touch the hearts of others and make them feel compelled to serve.
Promote Your Campaign
It’s not too late to start promoting your volunteer recruitment campaign for GivingTuesday. Announce your campaign to your congregation and promote it through email, text blasts, weekly bulletins, and social media. Encourage members to look through open volunteer opportunities and plan ahead how they will donate their time and talents on GivingTuesday. And be sure to use free resources available in the #GivingTuesday Toolkit and the #GivingTuesday hashtag throughout your campaign.
If your church management software gives you the ability to post and recruit for open volunteer opportunities, be sure to share a link so it can be accessed easily.
Thank Your Volunteers
Generosity shouldn’t end on GivingTuesday. Hold an event to welcome new volunteers, mingle with long-time servers, and thank them all for donating their time and talents to your ministry. Share your volunteer recruitment success with your church and on social media to remind others that giving isn’t just about the money but also serving others.
The Ultimate Goal of #GivingTuesday
While we hope you have a successful volunteer recruitment or fundraising campaign for GivingTuesday, the main goal behind the day is bringing awareness to the importance of giving back. Never lose sight of that goal as you’re working towards GivingTuesday. Go into the day with a heart of gratitude for those who have donated their time, talents, and treasure in years past to make your ministry what it is today. One act of generosity can change the world.
About Leigh Ann Ortega
Leigh Ann joined the ACST team in 2019 as a Product Marketing Manager. She oversees the launch and overall communication of key solutions to support the church’s needs. Prior to joining ACST, she spent several years in communications and graphic design roles, most notably as a Communications Director for a large church in Florence, SC, where she leveraged Realm to help solve key ministry challenges.
