Sorry, I Just Don’t Have Time!

Remember the days when the local volunteer fire department was the hub of activity for the community? The firehouse was a social meeting area for youth activities, fundraisers, carnivals, and pancake breakfasts. But it was always, at its core, the place that housed our first-responders – firefighters and EMS.

For decades, we could rely on a steady stream of young recruits eager to rise up through the ranks of the department alongside plenty of experienced members to teach them. The common denominator was the fact that all were volunteers. Elders never hesitated to serve on local government boards and commissions to better their community. However, recent trends seem to indicate that volunteers may be dying a slow death.

Volunteerism in community service, such as serving on boards or working with fire departments, is not a thing of the past, but it is certainly changing. Many communities still heavily depend on volunteers for key services, especially in areas like firefighting, emergency response, and local governance. However, the landscape of volunteerism is evolving. People today often face more time constraints due to busy work schedules and personal commitments, which can make it harder for individuals to dedicate time to traditional volunteer roles. Younger generations tend to have different expectations and priorities when it comes to volunteering. Many prefer more flexible, project-based forms of volunteering or may focus on causes that align with their passions.

In some sectors, particularly with fire departments, the increasing need for specialized skills and training has led to more professional staff being employed alongside volunteers. This can change the dynamics of traditional volunteer roles. Online volunteering and remote opportunities have grown, with people looking for ways to contribute without physically being on-site. This may reduce the number of people available for more hands-on, traditional volunteer roles.

Despite these challenges, many areas, especially rural ones, still rely heavily on volunteers for fire departments and local boards. These positions remain vital for keeping communities safe and well-organized. While the landscape of volunteerism is shifting, it is far from dead. Communities are finding new ways to engage people in service, and the spirit of volunteering remains strong, even if the forms it takes are changing. The need for volunteers is ongoing, and your contribution can make a significant difference.

Increasing volunteerism in a municipality requires a combination of strategies to engage residents, make volunteering more accessible, and emphasize its impact on the community. So, the challenge is how do we convince the resident that says they "just don’t have the time" to volunteer? A good start is to educate the community about the importance of volunteerism for the well-being of the municipality. Share stories of volunteers making a difference, highlighting specific projects or individuals.

You can do this by promoting the success stories where volunteers made a direct impact, whether through newsletters, social media, or local events. Let your residents know how volunteers' time and contributions directly benefit the municipality. If you translate volunteer hours into cost savings or improved services, it can work as an encouragement.

Not everyone can commit to long hours or be on a board or commission, so offer different types of volunteer opportunities. Allow people to contribute in ways that fit their schedules, such as offering digital or remote volunteer opportunities, like helping with social media or online outreach. Engage younger residents by creating volunteer opportunities specifically for them. Establish partnerships with local schools and universities to encourage students. Make it easy for people to find and sign up for volunteer opportunities, with a straightforward and streamlined process for registration. This could include an online portal or volunteer database where residents can easily browse opportunities.

Publicly recognizing volunteers is a crucial step in making them feel valued for their time and effort. Whether it's through awards, shout-outs in municipal newsletters, or volunteer appreciation events, these gestures go a long way in showing gratitude. Offering small perks or incentives, such as certificates, free admission to local events, or discounts at local businesses, can further express thanks for their service. You could consider implementing recognition programs that highlight the contributions of outstanding volunteers.

Encourage businesses to allow employees to volunteer or sponsor volunteer projects during work hours. Many companies have corporate social responsibility programs, and creating partnerships can increase volunteer engagement. Partner with local nonprofits or organizations with established volunteer programs to expand opportunities and share resources. Organize events that bring together volunteers and other community members, such as potlucks, volunteer recognition events, or social mixers. A strong community culture can help increase engagement.

Positioning volunteering not just as a way to give back but also to meet people, build friendships, and strengthen community ties is crucial. Using apps or websites where residents can sign up for volunteering opportunities, track hours, and communicate with organizers can enhance the volunteering experience. Using social media to reach a larger audience, promote volunteer opportunities, and showcase the efforts of volunteers can also contribute to a positive experience. Empowering dedicated volunteers to become leaders or ambassadors for recruitment can help spread the word about the benefits of volunteering. Creating volunteer committees that allow people to have a say in the planning of volunteer projects and events can make them feel more connected and invested. Ensuring a Positive Experience: Making sure that volunteering is a rewarding and positive experience is key. If volunteers feel that their time is well-spent, they're more likely to return and encourage others to volunteer, leading to a more satisfied and fulfilled community.

Regularly check in with volunteers to gather feedback and suggestions for improvement, by making volunteer opportunities accessible, impactful, and rewarding, a municipality can cultivate a culture of volunteering that engages more residents and strengthens the community. Simply put, if you want to have volunteers, you just need to "fire this thing up" and implement some of these suggestions. Remember that Team KMS can help your municipality in many ways.

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About the Author

David L. Anthony is a member of the Keystone Municipal Solutions team of experts. He is a veteran of municipal government, having served more than 33 years in various positions of public service. Contact him at david@keystonemunicipalsolutions.com. To learn more about David and the Keystone Municipal Solutions team, click here.