Conscripting volunteers

A lot of youth sports and performing arts programs have elements that involve parent volunteers.

Whether it’s fundraising, concession stand duties, or ticket sales, there’s work to be done. Sometimes, the “volunteering” is compulsory and parents are “voluntold” what to do.

So be it.

In these situations, it’s important to communicate purpose. To explain why.

“Here’s why we need your help.”
”Here’s how this activity supports our program.”
”This is what happens with the money.”
”This is why it’s worth it.”

When volunteers are connected to that vision, they can be enrolled in the journey.

And if you can’t figure out why participation is necessary, then it’s time to revisit the plan.

And if in articulating the purpose, you realize, “Based on what we’re trying to achieve, there’s a better way to do this,” then it’s definitely time to revisit the plan.