8 Solutions to Attract Chapter Volunteers to Participate

Chapters run on a special fuel: volunteer energy. But sometimes that fuel runs low and it’s difficult to attract chapter volunteers. We’ve identified eight valid and understandable reasons why chapter members don’t volunteer plus several solutions for overcoming those obstacles.

Chapter Volunteering Doesn’t Fit Into Their Busy Lives

Problem

Chapter members are not able or willing to commit to the amount of time required by traditional volunteer positions. Their plate is already full. Older members are busy with work.

Or, they’re pulling back from professional responsibilities and shifting their focus elsewhere. While younger members are becoming parents and have no time to spare.

Solution

Microvolunteering (ad hoc or episodic) volunteering is the solution for members with busy lifestyles.

They can contribute their talents and experience to their chapter without having to commit the time and energy usually required for committee service.

Microvolunteering is also a stepping-stone to deeper involvement. Examples of microvolunteering jobs include:

• Helping at events: greet attendees, work at the registration desk, or take photos or videos.
• Welcoming new members, learn more about them, and answer questions.
• Checking in with first-year members to provide advice and get feedback.
• Editing, proofing, or providing feedback on articles or other content.
• Taking notes and/or write a recap of a session or webinar.
• Responding to calls-to-action on pending legislation.

The Chapter Leadership “Job” Is Too Big, Period

Problem

They may have a point. If members see stressed out chapter leaders working themselves to the bone, they will be scared off. Few members are willing to step up into burdensome leadership positions. You’ll end up recycling past leaders or seeing positions go empty. Any surviving leaders will have too much on their plates.

Solution

Chapter Volunteering Is Unappealing

Problem

Sometimes, chapter tasks don’t get done on time or get done ever because no one wants to do them. Some members won’t even consider a leadership position because of the administrative work required.

When chapter officers have too many administrative tasks—adjusting the ledger, reconciling payments, and putting together reports for National—they have less time and energy to focus on delivering membership value.

Wondering why some committees have such high turnover? Think about a typical task for a membership committee volunteer. The committee chair asks them to call 15 members who haven’t renewed—by next week’s meeting. Who wants to do that? How about calling one or two members instead, an enjoyable microvolunteering task.

Most people, especially Millennials, want a meaningful volunteer experience, not brain-deadening busywork. They want to make a difference, maybe learn something, and connect with other people in their professional community. They’re happy to join others for an envelope-stuffing session as long as they can spend most of their volunteer time on more meaningful and satisfying work.

Solution

Chapter Volunteering Doesn’t Provide Enough ROI

Problem

Members might have time to volunteer, but they don’t think the experience is worth their time. They don’t think volunteering will help them reach goals, advance in their career, or help them develop relationships with other members.

Or, the member is willing but their boss doesn’t give them time off to volunteer because they don’t see any benefit in doing so.

Solution

Members Don’t Want to Take on Something They’ll Regret

Problem

People are uneasy about stepping into the unknown, especially if they aren’t sure what to expect or what is expected of them. If they’re uncertain about the consequences of serving on a committee, they’re unlikely to commit to it.

Solution

Volunteering Isn’t Even on Their Radar

Problem

ASAE’s Decision to Volunteer study found that a personal invitation is the most effective way to recruit a volunteer. Some people can be a member for years and never get asked to do anything. They don’t know the people who do the asking so they’re out of the loop.

Solution

Members Aren’t Impressed by the Current Group of Chapter Leaders

Problem

What do members see when they look at chapter leaders? Do they want to spend time with them or be associated with them?

Chapter leadership can fall into a vicious cycle. When leadership positions are poorly structured and volunteer recruitment is lackluster, the members who sign up for leadership are often desperate to make a name for themselves or willing to sacrifice their free time for the chapter.

You end up with mediocre incumbents who don’t inspire fellow members. Or, you get superhero leaders who scare off qualified candidates.

Solution

Members Think Chapter Volunteering Isn’t For Someone Like Them

Problem

If a member doesn’t see anyone like themselves in a leadership position—no one of the same generation, gender, ethnicity, or business type—it’s possible they won’t feel welcomed to participate in leadership.

This exclusivity issue is also known as the “country club syndrome” or “old boys club.” Members on the outside looking in think: Everyone knows each other. They’re all friends. I don’t know anyone. I don’t belong in that group.

Solution