Retain Volunteers Through 4 Rhythms
Did you know there are companies that have entire departments focused on retention?
Have you ever tried cancelling a cable package? There is a lengthy process involved, because there is a whole department setup to keep you as a customer if at all possible.
We could learn a thing or two from customer retention departments.
Volunteers are not customers. However, it is our job as leaders to create environments where people want to engage for the long haul.
When people are cared for and engaged in an environment that helps them flourish, they tend to stay invested and connected for a long time.
A great way to create this sort of environment is to leverage regular rhythms. Rhythms give something of form and cadence the times you gather and invest in your volunteers.
Here are 4 rhythms to leverage as you care for the people you lead:
Connect weekly – The value of ongoing connection is best highlighted by the void that is felt when it is missing. A weekly connect does not mean an event or meeting. It might be as simple as sending a weekly communication to the people you lead – providing helpful information, a cool story or basic encouragement.
Develop monthly – Development helps a person grow into all they are able to be. While development can be really effective in person, there are easy ways to develop people you lead virtually. This can take the form of sending a book suggestion to read, a podcast to listen to or an article that might help them grow as a person.
Equip quarterly – Vision tends to leak, tools grow dull and methods change. Every few months it is wise to take intentional time to pour vision back into your volunteers. Spend 3-4 times a year helping your team sharpen their tools, giving them tips and training that can help them grow in their effectiveness.
Celebrate annually – Once a year you should have an all-out party to celebrate all that the team has accomplished in the last year. Share some stories, honor some volunteer heroes, and enjoy time with the people who volunteer together to accomplish great things. An annual celebration offers a great chance to reflect on the past and gain momentum for the year ahead.
