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Alumni
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Finding and Working with Volunteers

    • Request a list of alumni that includes the affinity index. This index can help identify potential volunteers that may otherwise go unnoticed
    • Utilize the chapter outreach survey
    • Ask around, identify connectors in your community, and ask them who may be interested
    • It does not matter whether they attended BYU or not; anyone can be a part of the BYU Alumni Association
    • Identify the skill sets and passions of people you know; what are their interests (i.e. careers, mentoring, event planning, relationship-building, service, fundraising, sports, music, etc.)
    • When asking someone to serve, try to match their interests with your needs
    • People are much more likely to excel in their service when they are passionate about their assignment
    • People won't offer until they are asked. Don't assume someone will say no until you've asked.
    • Busy people often are the best at getting things done.
    • Ask ward members, people from the alumni list, parents of students, or anyone else who would enjoy being involved.
    • Ask your board members to invite people to join as well.
    • Be specific
    • Be honest in expectations and commitments
    • Personal invitation
    • Let them be involved immediately
    • Invite them to a board meeting so they can see what you're all about
    • Give options regarding assignments
    • Allow people to be involved as much or as little as their time and comfort level allow
    • Include many specialists on your team to involve a variety of different people
    • Be flexible
    • Be specific
      • A specific job title
      • A job description, including a layout of expectations
      • Details about the time commitment
      • Adequate training
    • Be willing to delegate
      • Give your board members decision-making authority
    • Be accommodating
    • Be consistent
      • Hold meetings at the same time each month
      • Always have the next meeting on the schedule before the end of the current meeting
      • Try not to cancel board meetings
      • Begin and end on time
      • Have an agenda and a clear focus for your meetings
    • Keep board members informed
      • Takes notes at each meeting and send it to committee members
      • Have assignments and deadlines
      • Review the previous month's action items
    • If they say no, don't take it personally. Ask some of the following questions.
      • It seems as if you like our organization and the work we're doing, is that true?
      • Do you need to know more about our chapters/mission?
      • Is our chapter not a good fit for your interests?
      • Would you be willing to help in the future?

    • Be appreciative

      • CELEBRATE
      • Make it fun
      • Provide meaningful roles
      • Reward through recognition
      • Show volunteers their success
      • Personalization - personalized emails and notes
      • Set aside time for connections