Building retention rates
Abstract
The tone and atmosphere of service projects should provide excitement and a sense of belonging to keep retention rates high. AmeriCorps members must feel valued either by the service beneficiary or by the program staff — and optimally by both. This effective practice presents a case study that explains what program directors should do to keep members motivated. Excerpted from The Resource Connection, Vol. 4, No. 1.Issue
Finding and keeping engaged and active national service participants.Action
According to Harry Bruell, Director, National Association of Service and Conservation Corps (NASCC), steps to take to increase retention include:
- Start each day with an official welcome and a morning ritual.
- Pay attention to all members. Show them that you care. Notice when they aren't doing well.
- Recognize the achievements of each member, both informally and formally. Give consistent feedback, both positive and negative. Help them grow.
- Make the program a family. Make it a fun place to be.
- Throw informal parties. Bring donuts to the office. Celebrate achievements. Have a corps "family" picnic or potluck.
Members stay because the corps is fun, because they are valued, and because they look forward to showing up every day. Members leave when it is no longer fun, they are not valued, and they dread coming each day. It really is that simple.
Context
Staying or leaving seems to be completely independent of the nature or importance of the assignment.
The main reason why members stay at their volunteer placement is because they feel the staff values them, they are part of something fun, as well as having opportunities for personal growth.
What matters most (more than the stipend, education award or service assignment) is the tone and atmosphere of the corps. Is your program a fun place to go every day? Do they wake up feeling excited and ready to serve? Are the other people in the program, staff and members, happy to see them? Are they supportive when they are having a hard time?
Common reasons for leaving before the end of a service term include leaving their volunteer placements do so because they have no support from staff, are bored (unvalued), or are not made to feel part of the group.
Citation
Bruell, Harry. "Searching for Gold and Finding a Family: Building Retention Rates." The Resource Connection. The National Service Resource Center. Vol. 4, No. 1.The Resource Center published The Resource Connection newsletter in print format quarterly from spring 1995 to fall 2002 to facilitate the exchange of training and technical assistance (T/TA) information, ideas, and resources to those in national and community service.
In March of 2003, The Resource Connection went to a digital format, continuing to highlight information and resources that help programs funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Current and archived e-newsletters can be found online at http://nationalserviceresources.org/resources/newsletters/enewsletters/index.php
Posted On
January 18, 2001For More Information