How to engage your co-workers in volunteering

Engaging Your Disengaged Corporate Volunteers Posted by: Katie Sisum, Event360, December 2011 We’ve all seen it time and time again: the loose change collection jar or the dollar treats in the break room with a “support our charity walk team” sign. We feel good by giving back, and we also feel like we are doing something for our workplace. But donating a dollar only goes so far – how do you make the leap and ask your employees to volunteer an afternoon or even a whole day? Corporate volunteerism takes a lot of time, effort and several resources, there’s no doubt about it. But what could be better PR than a group of 10 of your employees sporting their red “Bank of America” t-shirts and volunteering at a pit stop5K race where 10,000 people will see them? Sounds like a no-brainer to me. Here are a few tips in engaging your co-workers and asking them for their commitment. Ask your corporation to sponsor a group to attend, perhaps this is corporate shirts, or a free day off, utilize what your business does best in your ask for support. Make your ask personal and widespread. Instead of just asking a handful of co-workers in your department for their support, expand your circle. Reach out to other colleagues who work in other offices or departments and tell them why they should care about this cause.   Ask for their support at least a month out so people can get it on their calendar. Schedules fill up quickly, and you want your event to take priority. Make it easy in terms of logistics. Talk to HR about how to take the day off, and plan transportation and food ahead of time. You want to make the experience as simple as possible for the people who are supporting your cause. Engage your co-workers in a heartfelt info blast before the event. Whether it’s a video in the break room or a personal email telling the story of someone you know affected where your cause helped, reassure your colleagues that they are doing the right thing by supporting this cause. You want them to feel the power of their commitment. Engaging your co-workers can be a challenge. Expect some of their commitments to change, and realize that some of your team might back out before your event. Don’t be discouraged by this shift. Move on and focus on finding and engaging more people. Lastly, have fun with your colleagues and enjoy the event that is supporting the cause that you feel passionate about!