| There is no "magic formula" for
successful recruitment of volunteers. In fact, the increased pace of so many of our
families makes this difficult task more and more challenging each year. The following
field-tested approaches, coupled with your own diligence, may make this process just a bit
easier. 1. Call them Two by Two
Noah had a great idea! Recruit catechists in twos. What might seem to be a daunting task
for one is more manageable for two. You also get a built-in substitute for class.
2. Tell the Whole Truth
As much as you might be tempted to do so, don't mislead anyone about the
time commitment and scope of responsibilities of being a catechist or youth ministry
volunteer. Write out a "job description" that clearly outlines the work
involved. You're more likely to get a volunteer who will stay longer.
3. Divide
and Conquer
At the same time that you search for catechists, recruit catechist aides, office helpers,
chaperones, baby-sitters, and the like. These individuals might be drawn to greater
responsibility later, and might not otherwise consider helping you.
4. Offer Testimonials
Invite some of your veteran volunteers to share their story after the
masses a couple of weekends in a row. This is most effective if they share not what one
has to do to be a catechist, but what being a volunteer means them them personally.
5. Don't be afraid to "Limp"
This is something to think about as you get close to the opening date of
your program, and still have openings. Don't attempt to cover openings yourself! If there
is no one to cover a session or program, don't begin it until you get one and he or she is
properly trained. Someone will respond to and evident need. By covering the session
yourself, you're not only overburdening yourself, but failing to enable others.
6. Extend Personal Invitations
Most of the people I know who are active in catechetical ministry were
called forth by name by someone who knew they had a gift to share. Sometimes a phone call
overcomes the last barrier preventing someone from being a volunteer: the fear of
incompetence.
7. Ask Again
Circumstances change, and this year's "no" might become next
year's "maybe" and the following year's "yes". By all means, take
"no" for an answer. But also keep a list of people to ask next year...or the
year after that.
8. Get the Whole Parish to Recruit Invite members of your Religious Education
board, your catechists, a special recruitment committee, your Parish Council -EVERYONE! to
be on the lookout for persons of faith willing to serve as catechists and youth ministry
volunteers. Surface names from among those registered or newly welcomed in the parish as
future recruits.
9. Try the "Boy Scout" Method
This method has been used successfully when a class or program was missing a volunteer at
the beginning of the year.
- Call participants and parents from the session in question together.
- Invite them to surface qualities and gifts they are looking for in a
catechist or leader for their group.
- Invite them to brainstorm names of people who might run the group, and
then prioritize the list.
- Pass the list of names by your pastor. He might be aware of reasons why
the people named may not be appropriate.
- With one other person, go the the nominees, telling them that this group
of people selected them to lead.
10. Share the GIFT
Remember that you are not just looking for people to help
you; through their teaching and learning, catechists and other volunteers are inspired and
challenged to live their faith more deeply. This, of course, is the precious gift that we
all get back for our efforts--a gift worth more than any silver or gold.
NEXT WEEK: The Volunteer Interview:
Making It Count
©1999 by the Catholic
Education Ministries Center of Central Maryland |