No. 3: 29 May 2017
SWIM NEWSLETTER In this issue: Branding the
volunteering offer
SWIM - an ACE-funded project to recruit and train volunteers and trustees in Cambridgeshire museums 2016-2018
Branding the volunteering When selling a volunteering offer, its really
useful to brand it. As a minimum, there will be a simple role-specific title, such as the Costumed re-enactor role at the Stained Glass Museum. People will react to a targeted advert rather than one asking for generic volunteers. But going one stage further, museums could brand a specific volunteer opportunity or even the whole programme.
Save the date: 6 July, Ely SWIM Trustee Muster Mike Brooks is leaving the project to take up a volunteer co-ordinator role with the police—Mike has worked tirelessly on SWIM1 and SWIM2 and is thanked for all the help he has provided, and we wish him well! Congratulations to Harriet Foster who has announced the birth her daughter Olive.
Action Stations! at Burwell Museum Burwell Museum has done this very effectively for their volunteering opportunity for 14-21 year olds. It offered young people the possibility of volunteering in a range of roles, some of which included certificated training. The volunteers were positioned at various places around the museum such as the windmill (for tours), kiosk and tea room — the Action Stations!
Useful website:
The NCVO has a knowledge bank with nearly 400 ‘how-to’ listings on a variety of subjects. Including many on Social Media from deciding on the platform to fundraising via Social Media
Branded clothing At the Imperial War Museums, volunteers wear branded clothing in public-facing roles. While providing clothing for front desk or tea room volunteers might not be possible in all instances, badges or prominent signs can also work. Visibly drawing attention to your volunteers will:
Provide a powerful advert for recruitment—people can see the volunteers in action, and can imagine themselves doing the same
Invite positive feedback—visitors often tell volunteers how wonderful it is that they are volunteering
Provide protection—visitors are more forgiving if they know they are dealing with volunteers
Make the volunteer feel part of a distinct team—this is specially useful where there are more than one volunteering programmes at an organisation