When we talk about "involving the community" in working towards our mission, we almost always think about recruiting people who are in a position to "help" those we serve. In other words, we see them as a different group of people than our clients, consumers, audience, or other recipients of services from us. This isn't wrong, but it is limited - and perhaps even paternalistic. Those who need or want our services may, in fact, also possess skills, talents, and time that they would be more than happy to contribute, if we'd only ask.
It begins with the mindset that the identities of "helper" and "recipient" are actually relative, depending on many factors. The patient undergoing chemo may concurrently be an accountant and also a volunteer reading tutor at the elementary school. The person rescued from a ski slope accident may be a truck driver and a volunteer youth sports coach. In other words, the people we perceive as "clients" turn out to be another organization's employees and yet another organization's volunteers.
How can we put this mindset to work? Here are a few ideas:
- Make sure that the list of vacant volunteer positions is posted wherever clients gather - a waiting room, cafeteria, etc. You never know when something might grab someone's interest - or the attention of someone accompanying the client/consumer to your facility.
- In addition to the regular volunteer assignments that are available, develop a specific list of things that other clients need and post those, such as: transportation to and from appointments or events; equipment or items a long-time client no longer needs but a new one might; someone willing to talk to the spouse or child of a new client about similar personal experiences; etc.
- Ask questions, either with short survey forms or brief interviews conducted by volunteers. There are two types of surveys that could be useful. The first is a special needs assessment: We'd like to get your insight into the experience of being a client with us. What is missing or what can we do more of or in a better way? By answering us honestly, you'll end up helping everyone else who needs to use our services.
The second is a more direct invitation to get involved: If you've enjoyed your visit today (or felt you were helped by our services, or whatever), are you aware of some of the things you could do to "pass it on" to others needing the same service? - Specifically reach out to family members and friends who may, in fact, be delighted to do something useful while waiting around for their loved one to finish treatment or rehearsals or whatever. Try putting up a table in the parking lot with a big sign saying something like: "Driving here every week? Want to make that gasoline pay off double?" Have volunteer application forms ready.
Of course this only works if your clientele is not in crisis at the moment. But it does wonders for self-esteem to know that, even in a time of personal need, it's possible to still be of service to others.