Make It Easy to Show Up and Help

Aligned to: Support Volunteers

What This Can Feel Like

Someone signs up to volunteer. They’ve rearranged their schedule and show up ready to help. But when they get there…they’re not sure where to go, who to find, or what to do. No one is expecting them. There’s no clear direction. What should have been a positive experience becomes frustrating. And for many people, that’s enough to not come back.

A Better Way To Think About It

People don’t stop volunteering because they don’t care. They stop when the experience feels disorganized or unclear. Volunteering should feel easy to step into—not stressful to figure out. A little structure goes a long way.

What This Looks Like In Practice

Before the event:

• Share opportunities 3–4 weeks in advance

• Communicate any requirements (background checks, training, etc.)

• Keep roles simple and clearly defined

• Clearly outline logistics—time, location, where to go, and who to look for

• Have someone ready to greet and direct

After the event:

• Send a quick follow up and thank-you

• Track participation and recognize contributions

Playbook Pause

• If someone showed up today, would they know exactly what to do?

• Are our volunteer opportunities clear and easy to step into?

• What would make volunteering with us feel simple and organized?

Bottom Line

Clear, organized volunteer experiences don’t just get people to show up—they bring them back.