Show Me How To.... Recruit More Volunteers
Volunteers make a difference at UCH; new Web site makes a difference to support staff
In their words...
"Our volunteer services department is extremely pleased with the new online volunteer applications. The number of applications we receive has increased dramatically since moving the process online, not to mention the online forms are easier to read and organize than our previous process. I feel that we have joined the 21st century now that volunteers can apply online."
Rita Alexander
Manager of Volunteer Services
The University of
Colorado Hospital
Read more rave reviews
The challenge
Although the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) never had a problem filling volunteer positions, their volunteer services department was looking for a new way to encourage volunteerism and improve the process for answering inquires, mailing forms, and organizing the completed applications.
The solution
UCH was in the process of working with Geonetric to create a new Web presence, and the volunteer department was able to provide input on how the Web could improve their internal processes and volunteer recruitment efforts.
The team created a new and compelling volunteer section that:
- Promotes the many benefits for becoming a volunteer at UCH, as well as lists of the current openings at the hospital;
- Explains the application process step-by-step, so potential volunteers can gather the needed information and references; and
- Allows prospective volunteers to submit a secure online application, with separate forms for adult and teen volunteers, denoting their different requirements.
The results
- The new process has eased the burden on staff, from fielding phone inquiries to handling mailing and postage. They can now direct interested volunteers to the section of the new Web site, confident that all the needed information is in one place and up-to-date.
- UCH's received more than 246 volunteer applications in the first four months after their March 2008 go-live. Previously, UCH received about 30 volunteer requests a month, so the Web has significantly impacted the application process.
- UCH also notes that applications among summer teens and college students have increased, thanks to their ability to find UCH volunteer opportunities through online searches.
Wishful thinking...
Download a PDF of this case study and email it to your volunteer coordinator with the subject line "Wouldn't it be nice....????"
