Tips for Volunteer Centers
As a Volunteer Center, you are in a very unique position. You know areas of need and have contact with volunteers, and you know how to mobilize them. Together We Can Change The World Day (TWCCTW Day) can help you as you utilize the resources we offer. With access to TWCCTW Day projects you can provide a referral service to people eager to help. Or you can join with other businesses or community groups' projects. Because TWCCTW Day is monthly, you have the tools to maintain on-going synergy for your projects and volunteers.
TWCCTW Day is committed to connecting and mobilizing people across the United States for creative and positive projects which address problems and needs of the local and global community. We are in no way competitive with other organizations, but see ourselves as coming "alongside" and adding to the efforts of others in making our world a better place.
As you use TWCCTW Day tools, consider these ideas.
There is much to be said for joint ventures or combined efforts.
- Search the TWCCTW Day database of projects to see if any in your area are in line with yours. Call and offer to join forces with them to effect even greater change.
- More people can mean more done on TWCCTW Day.
- More people can also mean more adventurous undertakings and more people helped.
Partner with other like-minded organizations
- Reach across perceived "barriers" and partner with another organization doing similar projects. See if there is an organization that is "volunteer poor" that you can work with. The experience will break down walls, create new friendships, and create a better world.
- Look beyond the obvious and combine forces between generations.
Look beyond your own community
- Are you close enough to a few other communities where you could unite groups or organizations and move to massive action?
- How about hosting a project fair where you help connect volunteers with organizations. Let the organizations set up tables to share what they are doing on TWCCTW Day and enlist interested individuals.
Increase your commitment
- Utilize TWCCTW Day to further expand what you are all ready doing.
- Choose TWCCTW Day to start a new Volunteer Center in a nearby community.
Build on the Experience
- Since TWCCTW Day is the first Saturday of each month, there is increased opportunity for volunteers. Collect e-mail addresses or other contact information so you keep them connected.
- Distribute flyers with future dates of what different groups are doing so volunteers can make plans to be involved.
- Create a video of your TWCCTW Day project and invite the volunteers to a special viewing. They'll want to come to see if they're in the video - include food! At that time hand out information about your Volunteer Center and other organizations needing helpers.