Using social media to engage volunteers


Engagement happens when people feel connected to an organization.  When these connections happen on places like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn, one-to-one conversations turn into endorsements for your organisation.  That social visibility can in turn lead to new members, volunteers, or donors for your cause. Here is a checklist of 25 ideas to help you use social media:

  1. Create a presence and profile using all the social networking sites that you can realistically resource.  Chose the ones that reach the audience you most want to engage.
  2. Listen to what people are saying about you.  Respond positively even to negative comments.
  3. Post videos and photos that show the people you serve.  Highlight the purpose of your organisation. NSPCC
  4. Use inspirational quotes and photos to get your audience thinking about what they can do to help. UNICEF
  5. Ask questions, solicit ideas, encourage feedback on how you can improve. Girlguiding
  6. Discuss issues you are dealing with as an organization. WWF
  7. Use humour to stimulate interest in your cause.  The Humane Society
  8. Share links and retweet others. Movember US
  9. Your knowledge is valuable—use it to educate your social media audience. ASPCA pet care tips
  10. Create at least one share-able action on each page of your website.  For example “If you like this article, please share with your friends on Facebook”
  11. Share your accomplishments to remind your followers of the vital role you serve in your community. Comic Relief
  12. Invite your followers to events via social media.  Post photos and videos after the event to share your success.  Tag people, sponsors, and partners to encourage fans to interact with, and spread, your message. Virgin London Marathon
  13. Garner political support like organising a petition or rally. MIND
  14. Raise your profile using ‘Twibbons’ and ‘Pins’. British Legion Poppy Appeal
  15. Use statistics to inform your followers. WWF infographic
  16. Join the conversation relevant to your cause or issue.  Comment, post, or tweet, in response to
  17. Introduce the people behind the social media of your organisation. Cancer Research UK
  18. Provide direct contact info (phone, email, social media) for all key people.
  19. Identify influencers and engage those people who have trusted relationships.
  20. Created campaigns with clear call to action optimized for mobile.  National Trust #50things
  21. Post links to volunteer opportunities. vInspired  
  22. Invite followers to share their experiences of interacting with your organisation and ‘rate’ you.  greatnonprofits.org
  23. Integrate online donations. Oxfam
  24. Blog – especially senior members of your organisation. Duke of Edinburgh
  25. Learn from the experts. Guardian Masterclasses Social Media for Charities