Find More Volunteers

Find More Volunteers - 12 minutes - video or audio

The secret to finding volunteers in small towns today is to let go of old ways that no longer serve us. You’ll discover things you don’t have to do anymore, and new Idea Friendly ways that will attract more new volunteers.

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The Same Ten People are here! Time to start the committee meeting!

They want you to know they are tired of doing everything around here.

The way people volunteer is changing.

Everything else is changing, so of course volunteering is changing.

We're going to need some new ways of getting things done. We can't keep piling everything on the usual volunteers.

The new ways will help you draw in a lot more people, stop laboring over committees, and actually get more done.

What you'll learn in this 12 minute video/audio

Kill the committees

Our old committee structure is a legacy of the days of the railroad and the telegraph. We have new communication tools now, and we have new ways to coordinate our work.
What would that even look like? You're about to find out.

Tap viral activities

The old way is like Facebook: everyone you already know.
The new way is more like a viral challenge. Learn what that means for making things happen almost effortlessly.

Two questions that you'll want to use daily

You’re talking to people about your idea, and a lot of people will tell you it’s a great idea, but that’s all that happens. What do you do next? Ask these two simple questions and watch new connections and resources come your way like magic.

Master the participation curve

A better "volunteer info sheet" isn't going to fix the problem. We’ve been looking for volunteers all wrong. Discover how to tap people's current motivation and how making it meaningful matters.

Two of the hardest questions about volunteers: answered

Two bonus videos address the hardest questions around volunteers in rural areas.

What about the people who keep doing things the old way?

No one wants to upset them, or chase them away and lose all their valuable experience. But they're so often against any change or new ideas!
You'll uncover insight into their mindset and ways to tap that for new motivation. And you'll also learn how to not let them stand in your way.

How do you get people to commit for the long term and lots of training like volunteer firefighters?

Or the volunteers who work with sensitive subjects, like children’s advocates.
You'll learn four ideas to help make your work more attractive to your volunteers.

Alex Nunn

Port City Makerspace, Portsmouth, NH ,

I really got psyched up about some of the concepts and it inspired me to host a small BBQ get-together with our members. I started talking about the idea to people around the shop, got enough momentum going, and we're on to hang out, grill some burgers, and get our creative members to mingle! I hope to use it as an opportunity to build community and get more engagement in our makerspace.

The Pirate Bae

via Radically Rural

This talk was so good! It inspired us to do a community dinner up here in Littleton. 40 people showed up, and probably a quarter of them ended up being co-creators of the event.

Pat Cort

I loved this presentation. Seeing volunteerism from a different perspective is invigorating.

darlenesboyd

Thank you for these simple to understand and most likely simple to implement suggestions. Love it.

Get the full video and audio to watch on your own and share with others in your community.

This video is perfect for:

Agencies serving multiple rural communities
Community foundations, community leadership training
Utilities, electric cooperatives, telecommunications cooperatives
Tribes, Native and First Nation governments and organizations
Downtown groups, Main Street, merchants associations, retail groups
Economic development organizations, workforce groups
Rural banks, lenders
Chambers of Commerce, independent business alliances, business improvement groups, “local first” groups
Tourism, convention and visitors bureau
Newspapers, rural media, online media
University based rural programs, initiatives, studies

Not another tiresome webinar

Short, to the point video and audio

Watch instantly on your schedule: anytime, on demand, starting now

Recorded so you can pause, stop, rewind or watch again immediately
Download the audio version and listen anytime

You get personal access to Becky and Deb via message, email and comment. We do answer your questions personally!

Watch the full video now

Share with others in your community as many times as you want
Download the audio to listen on the go

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If you were wondering...

Is this video recorded so I can watch later?

Yes, the video is recorded, and you'll be able to watch it immediately as soon as you complete your purchase. You are welcome to watch the video more than once, start and stop, or go back and watch again. You're not limited to watching from a single computer or with just one group.

Is there an audio version?

Yes! A separate audio version is included. You can listen on the website, or download it to your phone and listen on the go.

Can I get a copy of the slides?

You get a transcript plus an audio-only version for listening on the go. We don't show photos or graphics very often, but if we do, you'll get them to download.

What if I have questions?

You can ask questions two ways: in the comment box or via email. We always answer you personally. You can also share stories or examples you've seen. That helps everyone!

Will the video play on my computer? Or on my phone?

Either one! If you can watch a YouTube video, you can watch this video. That means you can use any device, any screen that can load a web page for you to login. Any PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android phone or tablet, smart TV or TV with a streaming box or stick should work.
You don't need blazing fast internet.

Can I share the video with other people?

Yes! Once you’re registered, you can schedule more than one viewing so you reach as many people as possible. We encourage you to watch on your own or set up an in-person or virtual watch party.

How long should I make a watch party?

For a watch party, schedule 45 minutes or so. You'll want that extra time to discuss what you watched and to network and talk with each other.

Who should I invite?

Your friends who love to do things with you
Visionaries like yourself
Downtown associations, Main Streets, chambers and economic developers
Positive thinkers and doers
Leaders and regular people
Community foundations and leadership groups
Youth groups, young entrepreneurs
Elected officials from your local municipalities, counties or tribes
Business with a community focus, like banks and utilities
People who care about your town

Diverse rural people volunteering in their communities by pulling weeds, directing people, painting, playing music or serving on a board

13 minute video or audio
available immediately

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What people like you say about SaveYour.Town videos

This video stimulated lots of note-taking and conversation between the business owners gathered at my house. Deb and Becky gave us some new ideas and several excellent examples of known models. I think some of us are thinking of pivoting our summer’s plans after participating in Wednesday’s event. Thanks for a well-thought out presentation!

Jonya Pacey, Minnesota

What a TERRIFIC marketing Video. I had 20 businesses show up to watch and they all left with new ideas and an excitement to get back and start implementing! I’ve already had 5 businesses reach out in less than 2 hours after it ended, that are already putting your ideas into action.

Mandy Walsh, City of Lampasas, Texas

There are always great take-aways from the videos that can be put into place immediately. One of my favorites is changing your store's evening vibe (different music, lighting, etc.) because evening shoppers are not the same as day time shoppers.

Diane Moore, Wheaton, Illinois

Videos by SaveYour.Town are fun way to learn some no-nonsense alternatives to community inertia.

Clark Hoskin, Ontario

Find More Volunteers - 12 minutes - video or audio

Buy now