7. Leverage Volunteers

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At a Glance: In this section, you will learn how to invite residents into meaningful roles, support them well, and create simple pathways that help volunteers stay involved over time.

Why It Matters

Volunteers bring life to community life. Every time a resident shows up to help, they strengthen the city and form new connections with the people around them. The impact grows when volunteers are given the support and information they need to feel comfortable in their roles. When cities take time to guide volunteers well and stay in contact throughout the process, service becomes easier to take part in and more likely to last.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Recruit and Mobilize Volunteers

Recruitment works best when people can clearly see where their time and interests fit. Simple entry points help residents take the first step.

How to do it:

• Identify projects that need hands-on support, such as cleanups, mentoring, outreach, or community events.
• Post opportunities on platforms like JustServe.org, local volunteer centers, or your city’s website.
• Partner with schools, universities, businesses, and faith groups to broaden your reach.
• Use welcoming language that emphasizes connection and belonging. Invite residents to be a part of something bigger. 

 

2. Structure Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities

Clarity prevents burnout and builds confidence. When people know what’s expected, they serve with purpose.

How to do it:

• Write short, specific role descriptions that outline time commitments, tasks, and the purpose behind the work.
• Use simple sign-up forms to match volunteers with appropriate roles.
• Create a range of roles for new, occasional, or experienced volunteers.
• Provide easy access to contact info, checklists, and safety guidelines.

 

3. Offer Flexible Roles That Fit Real Life

People are more likely to volunteer when the opportunities fit their interests and schedules. Offering a mix of roles and commitment levels helps more residents find a place in the work.

How to do it:

• Create simple entry points such as event support, cleanups, or welcoming tasks.
• Offer roles that draw on personal or professional skills when volunteers want deeper involvement.
• Provide options with different time commitments, from short-term, seasonal, or ongoing options.
• Allow for virtual and micro-volunteering options.
• Make sign-up and scheduling mobile-friendly and intuitive.
• Encourage progression: from participant → regular volunteer → team leader.

 

5. Train and Support Volunteers

Training gives volunteers a strong start and helps them feel connected to the purpose behind the work.

How to do it:

• Host brief orientation sessions that introduce the mission, expectations, and basic procedures.
• Provide additional training for specialized roles.
• Pair new volunteers with experienced participants for informal support.
• Offer regular encouragement. People stay when they feel valued.

✅ Example: 
In Salt Lake City, Utah, the Mayor’s Office of Engagement supports residents who want to get involved through the SLC Corps program—a volunteer network built around leadership, training, and community connection. SLC Corps members participate in orientations and skill-building workshops that introduce them to local service opportunities, help them understand city needs, and prepare them to serve confidently. By equipping volunteers with clear guidance and ongoing support, Salt Lake City is building a strong, informed volunteer base that can step in quickly during service events and citywide initiatives. Learn More.

 

6. Build a Volunteer Leadership Pipeline

Strong programs don’t just recruit helpers, they develop leaders.

How to do it:

• Invite reliable volunteers to help coordinate projects or mentor newcomers.
• Offer training or workshops that build leadership skills.
• Acknowledge growth through certificates or small recognitions.
• Encourage seasoned volunteers to co-lead projects or take on planning roles.

🔗 Related: Volunteer leaders can also serve as community liaisons or council members. See Build Partnerships and Collaborative Councils.

 

7. Recognize and Retain Volunteers

Recognition helps volunteers feel that their time matters.

How to do it:

• Send personal thank-you messages after events.
• Share stories that highlight volunteer contributions.
• Host appreciation events when possible.
• Offer simple tokens of gratitude such as certificates, pins, or community spotlight features.

🔗 Tracking volunteer participation and sharing their stories is part of a strong evaluation process. See Evaluate Success and Scale Impact.

 

🧭 Apply What You Learn

• Make volunteering easy to join and welcoming at every step.
• Offer opportunities that grow with each volunteer.
• Recognize contributions often and in ways that feel sincere.
• Use feedback and training to strengthen the volunteer experience over time.

📚 Recommended Tools & Resources

• The Ultimate Guide to Volunteer Management - Volunteer Hub
• Recruiting and Training Volunteers - University of Kansas, Community Toolbox
• Building a Volunteer Pipeline - Product Community

(See Section 6: Appendix of Additional Resources for more).

Closing Note

Volunteers embody the spirit of service that strengthens every city. When cities invest in clear roles, steady support, and genuine appreciation, they create a place where people can contribute in meaningful ways and feel connected to the progress around them.