communication department

By Brenda Huettner, Fellow

As a long-time STC member, I strongly believe that you get out of STC what you put into it and that community leaders need to encourage participation at all levels.

Many members are eager to help but assume all positions are filled. It’s easy for people to ignore a general call for volunteers; it is much more difficult to say “no” if someone calls them personally for help with a specific task.

Here are a few tips from one who has “beat the bushes” looking for good volunteers.

1. Determine what you really need done and prioritize your list of tasks.
2. Start with small tasks and make them specific. Rather than ask for a newsletter article without specifying a topic, request a review of a book that just came out, or a summary of a meeting the targeted person attended. Someone who won’t commit to being newsletter editor may agree to help with layout or proofreading. Similarly, the job of program chair may be daunting, but someone might be willing to act as the main contact for a single speaker for one meeting.
3. Create a list of specific benefits and requirements for each task. This will vary by chapter, community, region, job, and even by time of year.
4. Talk to potential volunteers in a relaxed setting, taking the time to discover their interest areas and how much time they’re willing to commit.
5. Recognize people’s efforts, especially when things go well. Say thank you, often and in public (at program meetings, via newsletters, and in your other forms of communication). There are also Society-level recognition programs, or you can create your own methods of rewarding good efforts. Some communities have created recognition committees for just this purpose; others leave it up to the executive council. Either way, it is always nice to hear kind words directly from the community leaders.

Editor’s note: This article has been condensed from the original and republished because of its applicability to today’s STC leaders and issues.