How to encourage others to make a difference

The phrase, “there is strength in numbers” is especially true when you’re talking about the power to make a difference in your community. The efforts of just one person can still change lives and make a positive impact for years to come. But, when a group bands together to support a cause, that united front can move mountains.

The trick is getting all those potential mountain movers interested enough in your cause to motivate them to act.

If you have a cause in mind or see a need in your community and want to encourage others to help you make a difference, consider these practical ways to attract and retain volunteers:

1. Reach out to friends and family. The people you already know are the most likely candidates to step up and help out. Explain your cause, talk about your goals and ask if they would consider helping out. If they are interested, find out how much time they are willing and able to commit, and if they want to be a participant or an organizer.
2. Have clear goals. If you want to create a group that donates handmade chemo caps to cancer patients, for example, let potential volunteers know things like:
   1. How often your group will be meeting
   2. What, if any, financial obligations they will have (for example, supplying their own yarn and other materials)
   3. The number of hats you expect them to contribute
   4. Where you plan to donate your hats

   Knowing exactly what’s expected of them will help potential new volunteers determine if they are a good fit for your group, so be as organized as possible before you even reach out to ask for help.

3. Keep everyone informed. Share updates, photos and other information across private social media groups to help keep your volunteers motivated and informed. This is also a great way to share practical information, like dates and times of events and meetings.
4. Motivate your helpers. Offer small, simple incentives to keep your team motivated and eager to continue working with you. It might be as simple as creating a “volunteer of the month” award using free online graphic design tools like Canva or sharing stories about the ways your charitable work is impacting the community on social media, giving credit to your team of volunteers. Everyone likes to feel appreciated, and it’s essential for keeping people motivated and eager to help.
5. Say thank you. Your volunteers are taking time out of their busy lives to help you reach your goal, so make sure to thank them sincerely and regularly for all the good work they’re doing.

Humans crave community and connection, and we also take great satisfaction from doing good things for others. You can be the person who brings like-minded people together to work for a common good and change the lives of people in your community and around the world.

But remember, this doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment for you. Perhaps you simply want to organize a food drive or a hygiene kit event to fill a specific, one-time need in your community. Whatever the case, remember that Foresters can help. As a member, you can apply online for a Foresters Community Grant so you can organize volunteer activities that are meaningful to you and your local community.

424200 CAN/US (12/24)