Perhaps the biggest single reason why more people don’t volunteer for us is because they were never asked.  Or, if they were, they were perhaps not asked in the right way.  In Avon alone we have 1,000 young people waiting to join.  We’re all agreed we need more volunteers.  When there are more adults, Scouting is easier, better and more fun.  If we believe strongly in what we do and that volunteering can be truly life-enhancing we need to evangelise about this!  It’s no good hiding our bright light under a bushel.  We need to make our excitement and enthusiasm contagious. Scouting is a fantastic organisation (far better than we often give ourselves credit for).  Let us all take responsibility for promoting Scouting and recruiting new volunteers.  As current members, we are the best possible advocates and ambassadors. 

Simple steps and guidance on good practice

If we go about this systematically, we can make sure we’re even more successful.  There are six easy steps to remember.  It’s surprising when done well just how effective these can be. 

1. Define the tasks that need to be done.

2. Identify the skills and qualities needed.

3. Generate a list of who can do the role. 

4. Target the best choice.

5. Ask someone to help.

6. Offer support and welcome the individual into Scouting

Be flexible, welcoming, accessible and open minded

Overall, we also need to be more open minded about how we structure tasks and roles so that volunteering opportunities are flexible for those who might want to volunteer.  We also need to remember that we offer good support, induction and training and those new to Scouting will probably bring lots of fresh ideas and transferable skills and experiences.

Be proactive and positive

Most of all, in our attempts at recruitment we must always be proactive and highly positive – success breeds success, and people want to join successful and flourishing organisations.  Often being ambitious in recruitment efforts can create a real buzz.  Don’t just go for one new leader look for a whole team of them and get all the existing team involved in generating possible names.

Where to find more information, help and advice

You can find out more about these steps and other good advice, information and reference to support materials on recruiting volunteers on The Scout Association website.  Sometimes leaders tell me that they were not aware of the support and guidance available.  The members’ resources section is a really good gateway to most things that you might need as a volunteer in Scouting.  Make the most of it.  If you can’t find what you’re looking for there, try the info centre and don’t forget District and County Scouters are here to help you too.

Share your success stories

Why not share what’s worked best for you?  Perhaps others will “borrow” your good ideas.