Learn how to successfully recruit, manage, and retain volunteers to build a strong, engaged team for your league.
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Managing a volunteer-driven league can be a daunting task. After all, volunteers aren't compensated financially, yet they're the backbone of organizations like GHTFA, Stonewall Sports, and Catholic Sports. So, how do you recruit, retain, and motivate volunteers to help run your league effectively? Here are some key strategies based on insights from these organizations that can guide you in building a strong volunteer force.
The first step in building a successful volunteer team is hiring the right people. But how do you find these volunteers, especially in a competitive environment where everyone is busy?
1. Look for Passionate Individuals - At GHTFA, Dave Nelson shared that recruiting volunteers starts by finding people who are passionate about the sport. "You need to find people in the sport that love the game and will put in some time." People who are genuinely invested in the success of the league will be motivated to pitch in, even if it means taking on some less glamorous tasks.
2. Tap into Your Existing Community - Stonewall Sports relies on its established community to recruit volunteers. Lori Schlatter explained that their volunteers are often those who have been involved in the league for years, with a strong sense of loyalty to the organization. "We have a lot of people who have been on the board in the past and still participate—they’re always willing to help out." Consider offering your current players opportunities to take on small tasks or leadership roles to see who’s a good fit for bigger responsibilities.
3. Make It Easy to Get Involved - Catholic Sports highlights the importance of simplicity in volunteer recruitment. Paul Spotts noted that, initially, he had to personally recruit individuals for leadership roles, but as the league grew, he learned how to streamline the process. Ensure that your volunteer opportunities are clear and accessible, and always provide guidance on the roles so people know what to expect.
Now that you know where to find potential volunteers, how do you identify the right people to join your team?
1. Look for Leaders and Team Players - Good volunteers are both leaders and team players. As Dave from GHTFA noted, at one point, they made it mandatory for each team to take on a small task, which allowed them to identify people who might step up into larger roles. "We weren't asking a lot, but then we found guys that said, 'Hey, this isn't too bad. Maybe I'll step up.'" Look for volunteers who are willing to take on responsibility but are also able to collaborate with others.
2. Prioritize Community-Oriented Individuals - Stonewall Sports emphasizes the importance of mission-driven volunteers. Their organization attracts individuals who are deeply invested in the community and its values. "People want to see their friends in a space for them," said Keil Young. Seek out those who resonate with the mission and are motivated by more than just the task at hand—they should care about the greater good of your league.
3. Evaluate Commitment Levels - When recruiting volunteers, assess whether the individual is truly committed. Catholic Sports mentions that many organizations struggle with a lack of leadership, especially in non-profit sectors. "There's a huge shortage in the nonprofit world for leaders who understand how nonprofit boards operate," said Paul Spotts. You want volunteers who are dedicated and understand the scope of the work.
Once you’ve assembled your team, the next challenge is keeping them motivated. Since volunteers aren't paid, it's essential to create an environment where they feel appreciated and valued.
1. Build Relationships - Stonewall Sports’ Keil Young emphasizes the importance of relationship-building to motivate volunteers. Volunteers are more likely to stay engaged if they feel connected to the organization and its mission. Take time to get to know your volunteers on a personal level and understand what drives them.
2. Provide Recognition and Support - At Stonewall, they are always looking for ways to improve the board and volunteer experience, which includes recognizing the hard work of their volunteers. "How are we recognizing people on the board? How are we setting expectations?" Lori asked. A little appreciation can go a long way—whether it’s through shoutouts, small gifts, or simply saying thank you.
3. Make Their Experience Worthwhile - Volunteers should feel like they’re gaining something valuable from the experience. Lori from Stonewall recommends offering professional development opportunities, such as retreats or training sessions. This gives volunteers a sense of growth and accomplishment beyond the work itself. "What can you intentionally seek to get for yourself in terms of experience or learning or growth?" she asks. Volunteers who feel like they’re gaining new skills or networking opportunities will stay committed to the cause.
4. Foster a Safe and Supportive Environment - All three organizations emphasize the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. For instance, Stonewall Sports has policies in place to protect their volunteers from any mistreatment or misconduct. Lori explained that it’s part of their code of conduct that any behavior directed at volunteers, especially in a negative context, is not tolerated. By ensuring a safe and respectful environment, volunteers are more likely to stay engaged.
Volunteer management is both an art and a science. By hiring passionate individuals, recognizing their efforts, and fostering a supportive environment, you can build a dedicated volunteer team that helps your league thrive. Whether you’re a small league or a large organization, these strategies, inspired by the experiences of GHTFA, Stonewall Sports, and Catholic Sports, will help you build and maintain a strong volunteer force that keeps your league running smoothly—without breaking the bank.
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