News from the Field Department - July 2022

It’s that very exciting time of year when Special Olympics volunteers and leaders start actively searching for new help.  We all need coaches, general helpers, Management team members and Athlete Leaders.  The more wonderful people we can get through our volunteer onboarding process - the easier it all becomes.

Some steps for recruiting volunteers:

1. Know what positions you need to fill.  What sports need coaches?  Where do you need help with your 4:1? Is there a Management Team position that needs filled?
2. Get a good position description with expectations.  Be ready to print those and talk about every point and value.
3. Gather your volunteer recruiting team (or friends that know people) and start brainstorming prospects.  Who do you know who would be good at what you need?  Don’t forget recent retirees and athlete family members.
4. Prioritize your list.  Who is your best candidate?  Who would be best to talk with them about this opportunity?  Get a visitation team together to make the approach.  Consider having someone who can go into detail about the position and its value, someone who has a great story about volunteering with the program and someone they can’t say no to (spouse, boss, pastor?).  Rehearse and prepare for the meeting. Determine who will ask the big question.  Once the question is out there.  Be silent and wait.
5. Once you get someone to agree to volunteer, be sure to bring them onto the team.  Get them a shirt, hat, bag, whatever.  Give them a calendar so they know when practice is and when the events are.  Introduce them to everyone and get them trained and started ASAP.

Do these steps and you are sure to get the help you need.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to your Field Directors or your Regional Executive Directors.  We love to help!