Using a website to recruit RSVP volunteers

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Abstract

Service agencies have staffing requirements that need to be communicated to volunteers so they know what opportunities are available. Extrapolating from Robert Kennedy's idea that a small ripple culminates in a powerful current, RSVP of Harford and Cecil County, Maryland, created a "ripple sheet" on their website which lists, in bulleted form, local volunteering opportunities. Members of the Volunteer Connection/RSVP use the "ripple sheet" to promote easy access to information for agencies seeking volunteer support and potential volunteers. Likely candidates for volunteerism use the "ripple sheet" to sort through a myriad of information about agencies. Sally Drumm of RSVP for Harford County, Maryland, submitted this effective practice.

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Issue

There are an overwhelming number of requests for volunteers from agencies and organizations needing additional assistance, and there is a significant amount of data to disseminate to the public about volunteer opportunities.

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Action

  • The Volunteer Connection/RSVP of Harford and Cecil County, Maryland, created a "ripple sheet, " effectively cataloging eighty-five volunteer organizations. Prospective volunteers may view a brief description of each agency and available volunteering opportunities. Agencies are listed under the headings of "Human Needs, "Environment/Cultural Heritage," "Community and Economic Development," "Education," and "Health and Nutrition." All organizations can be reached via one contact number for the Volunteer Connection/RSVP so that there is a central source of information.

  • This user-friendly format can be updated regularly and reproduced inexpensively for mass distribution by recreating the heading of the "ripple sheet" for fliers and other printed materials. Duplicating the heading exactly as it is displayed on the website increases the likelihood that the potential volunteer will quickly identify the activity or area.

  • RSVP services that support the "ripple sheet" include maintaining an up-to-date listing of volunteer opportunities in the county, personal knowledge of the sites, and personal attention to volunteers' interests, time, and talents.

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Context

  • Members of the Volunteer Connection/RSVP use the "ripple sheet" on their website to promote easy access to information for agencies seeking volunteer support and potential volunteers. Likely candidates for volunteerism use the "ripple sheet" to sort through a myriad of information about agencies.

  • The inspiration for the term, "ripple sheet" comes from Robert Kennedy's "Day of Affirmation Address." (University of Capetown, Capetown, South Africa, 1966) Kennedy said, "Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."

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Outcome

  • The Volunteer Connection/RSVP now provides more exposure for agencies seeking volunteers and a more accessible format for volunteers pursuing placement.

  • The information procured via the "ripple sheet" aids potential volunteers when making initial decisions about where to volunteer.

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Evidence

The Volunteer Connection/RSVP tracks the ways in which people have found their service. The majority of those who call for the first time say they heard about them via the "ripple."

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Posted On

April 8, 2002

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For More Information

Sally Drumm
RSVP for Harford County
Phone: (410) 638-4444

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Related Practices

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Related sites

Senior Corps

Habitat for Humanity

Topic Areas

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