Get Ready for National Volunteer Week
Next week is National Volunteer Week (April 19-25, 2026), an opportunity to celebrate the incredible individuals who generously give their time, energy, and heart to serve children and youth in your organization. It goes without saying that volunteers are the backbone of a thriving program. Whether they’re caring for children, supporting families, organizing events, or taking on whatever needs to be done, their impact is immediate and lasting.
Volunteers don’t just fill roles; they shape experiences and memories that last a lifetime. With diverse skills and perspectives, they help organizations expand their reach and effectiveness.
Organizations with strong volunteer engagement tend to be more connected and resilient.
Attracting More Volunteers
The need for volunteers continues to grow, and attracting the right people requires intentionality. Here are a couple of strategies to build a strong volunteer base.
1. Clearly Communicate the Mission
People are more likely to serve when they understand the “why” and see the connection between their efforts and meaningful outcomes. Share stories, testimonials, and real-life impact that demonstrate how volunteers make a difference.
2. Make It Easy to Get Started
Be consistent with your screening and simplify the onboarding processes. Provide clear expectations, flexible scheduling, and step-by-step guidance. The more defined the process, the easier it will be for people to say “yes.”
3. Offer a Variety of Roles
Not everyone is comfortable with leading a group of kids, and that’s okay. You can allow individuals to serve in ways that align with their strengths and comfort levels. Offer diverse opportunities, such as working the check-in area, behind-the-scenes prep, safety monitoring, or tech assistance.
4. Build Relationships
People stay where they feel connected, and when they know they are valued, they invite others to join. Foster a sense of community among volunteers through small groups, team check-ins, or appreciation events.
5. The Most Effective Recruitment Tool
A personal invitation is the most effective recruitment tool. Encourage current volunteers and leaders to reach out to friends, parents, and community members. When people are asked directly, they are more likely to serve.
Recognizing Volunteers
It’s also important to show volunteers their contributions matter. Appreciation builds morale, strengthens commitment, and reinforces gratitude.
Highlight volunteers and their stories at services, events, or on social media. This can inspire others to get involved. Handwritten notes, personal emails, or one-on-one conversations go a long way. People respond to a sincere, specific “thank you” that acknowledges their unique contribution. Small gestures, such as a coffee gift card or a volunteer t-shirt, make people feel appreciated. Offer training, leadership development, or an opportunity to take on a new role. Growth increases value, which multiplies impact.
Celebration Week
National Volunteer Week is a good reminder of the difference volunteers make. However, appreciation and engagement should not be limited to one week each year. Effective organizations cultivate a year-round culture that supports, equips, and celebrates volunteers.
Easy Volunteer Scheduling
If you’re a part of an organization that relies on volunteers, now is a great time to learn more about KidCheck’s volunteer scheduling. It’s a powerful addition to your volunteer strategy that saves time, eliminates manual processes, and simplifies the administrative tasks of overseeing volunteers. It’s perfect for any event across your organization and is available in a mobile app and a desktop version.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of secure children’s and youth check-in, mobile Express Check-In, volunteer scheduling, and our live support, available six days a week, including Sunday morning.
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Photo by Aleksandar Andreev on Unsplash
