The college class of 2001 is almost 100% connected to the Internet. This is in contrast to 66% of the general population being online. A Harris poll commission by Northwestern Mutual says the Internet usage by this year's graduating class has doubled since they were freshman, from six hours per week to 11 hours. Students reported that the Internet is bringing them closer to people.

44 % of general population sends or receives e-mail daily or frequently. For the 2001 graduate it was 89%. Contrast this with 36% of the general population using a cell phone, with 38% of the students using cell phones. 74% of both groups reported getting together with friends or family to talk in person.

As time passes more and more people are discovering the benefits of the Internet. Volunteer organizations and programs need to continue to explore and refine their use of the Web and Internet as a means to attract a new generation of volunteers.

Some volunteers work far from the headquarters of the organization. Recruiting for these positions has special challenges. The prospective volunteer needs to understand the importance of what they are doing and they, as an individual, are contributing to the mission and goals of the agency or program. Here are some things to include in that recruitment appeal for the distant volunteer.

• Be specific about how their position is connected to the volunteers working closer to the organizations headquarters or office.
• Have a picture that shows their volunteer position in relation to the other volunteers and staff\
• Tell them there is a plan to train them. Be specific about how it works.
• Let them know you will stay in touch with them while they are on duty. Ask the way in which they like to receive information
• Tell them you will do things like:
• Remember them on special occasions-the day before or after the annual meeting they are too far away to attend, for example
• You will call to just see how they are doing
• You will keep them up to date on the good news in the organization
• Tell them others in the organization will know of there work. Then make good on your promise by highlighting them in newsletters or reports to administrators

When making a recruiting pitch you can divide your appeal into three parts.

1. What is the need? Focus on the most compelling service the volunteer provides to meet the need. For example, in the state of Washington volunteer tutors in all grade levels moved children's reading scores on standardized tests up by an average of 8 months. Children in third grade with second grade reading levels were reading at grade level by the end of the year of having a volunteer tutor.
2. Put them in the picture. Tell the audience how they can volunteer. Stress flexibility and a willingness to work with them. If you know someone in the audience use him or her as an example of how you can work around their personal life to help them be a volunteer.
3. Close with a personal experience. Tell a brief and funny story that illustrates and reinforces the first two steps. Tell them about real volunteers and the services they provide.

DAILY POINTS OF LIGHT AWARD FORMS AVAILABLE

The Points of Light Foundation has forms available to nominate volunteers and volunteer organizations for the Daily Points of Light Award. It is designed recognize individuals and groups that demonstrate unique and innovative approaches to community volunteering and citizen action, with a strong emphasis on service focused on the goals for children and young people set by the Presidents Summit for American's Future.

The award is given five days a week, excluding holidays. If you would like nomination forms, contact Crystal Hill at 202-729-8000.

1-800-VOLUNTEER

Copyright 2001 by Nancy Macduff.

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