By Volunteer Engagement Associates, Allie Smith and Rebekah Kawas
Brigade recruitment and fundraising were daunting tasks, even before everything turned virtual. One of the biggest questions Global Brigades leaders are facing as they approach the new school year is “how are we going to recruit and fundraise virtually?”
More than ever, it is essential to create a strategy to recruit volunteers and fundraise donation goals to support and participate in Global Brigades’ initiatives that facilitate empowered development.
Included below are ways to turn your recruitment and fundraising strategies virtual. It is important to make sure your leadership team creates a plan; we recommend using this ASSET Mapping Worksheet to outline your assets, allies, and challenges. Recruitment and fundraising are unique at every university – figure out what works on your campus and what resources are readily available to help you meet your goals!
Volunteer recruitment and brigade participation fuel Global Brigades’ ability to work toward our mission and vision. The more volunteers your Chapter has, the more impact your brigade can make. Try out these virtual recruitment techniques to expand your Chapter’s reach and increase Chapter membership:
How do we get started with virtual fundraising?
Just like with recruitment, know what goals you are aiming for as you begin to create a fundraising plan with your leadership team or executive board. Set your desired donation goals at the beginning of the semester. While our Volunteer Resource Site is in the middle of being revamped, check out the current Volunteer Donation Goals posted that help you navigate by your specific program and your partner country of choice. Tie this into your recruitment goal as you notice the different volunteer scales adjust the donation goal accordingly.
Eager volunteers will continue to sign up on your Brigade Page as the semester progresses and they make the decision to accompany your Chapter on a Brigade or TeleBrigade. Keep in mind as this happens that individual pages for each volunteer are a vital resource for crowdsourcing donations from friends, family, and others. Allow this to act as a central source for your supporters to donate on your behalf after you express to them the impact Global Brigades helps perpetuate and why you want to contribute as a student.
What else can we do together as a Chapter? Use the below to start brainstorming, even with your members!
These suggestions are a great way to bring your audience together in a virtual environment. If you are looking for lower donation goals, a Business, Engineering, Medical, or Public Health TeleBrigade are open for Chapters to participate in as soon as August 2020. These types of virtual experiences allow students to join the experience of local GB staff and community members with lower donation goals and without international travel. Bring this opportunity to your Chapter and evaluate if TeleBrigades’ benefits better fit your team goals for the next academic year.
Recruiting and fundraising go hand-in-hand when we talk about essential Chapter support virtually and in-person. The new virtual environment some of us may be experiencing this coming semester gives the opportunity to innovate and rejuvenate how Chapters can best equip virtual groups.
Setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely (SMART) goals will help you achieve your goals with patience and clarity. Aim for quality fundraisers but know that each one will teach you how to improve or change for the next! Even your Faculty Advisor can help you and your executive team stay updated on your campus policies throughout the year and how to navigate this change within your organization. How to Connect with Your Community Your Way can provide you insight to how you, your executive team members, and your volunteers can come together in a virtual world.
You’re not alone in this! Global Brigades Staff is here to support you as we navigate this together.