4 minute read
Recruit like a pro!
BY ASHLEY ELLIS
After completing service, many of you have experienced that sense of sadness and asked the question what’s next. It can be harder than you anticipated. You have developed a deep love for the people and place you served (they are your family and this is your home). You leave with new perspectives, a feeling of accomplishment, and excitement to continue the work. You also know that you cannot volunteer forever. So, what is next? The answer is simple, yet challenging: recruit your replacement (or your replacement’s replacement). Your story is our best tool. We want to help you harness your passion for CAP and give you what you need to make sharing that passion with others as easy as possible.
Recently I reached out to CAP Volunteer Alumnus Jim Zeirke to hear his perspective on why he continues to recruit for CAP and what tips he can share. He said, “If you are passionate about something, then you will talk about it with passion and others can see your excitement about what you do.” You already have the passion, but with the diversity and reach of CAP’s programs, how do you share that with somebody in just minutes rather than hours? Jim had some insight on that as well.
One aspect that helps CAP stand out from other faith-based programs is how we serve; our focus is not to proselytize; we are charged to share Christ’s love through service. Jim explains further, “what we do is share the Gospel of Christ in a very unique way: by helping the poor in times of hopelessness and trial.” Letting people know there are ways to share the Gospel – by living the Gospel – can create opportunities for people they never thought of and can lead people to doing things they never imagined.
With so many homes in need of repair throughout Appalachia, CAP is grateful for the hundreds of volunteers that arrive each year to help us make homes safe, warm, and dry for our participants.
With so many homes in need of repair throughout Appalachia, CAP is grateful for the hundreds of volunteers that arrive each year to help us make homes safe, warm, and dry for our participants. – by living the Gospel – can create opportunities for people they never thought of and can lead people to doing things they never imagined.
Perhaps you came to CAP as a camp volunteer and you were right in your element. Perhaps you came as a housing volunteer and you did not know the difference between a screw and a nail. Share the challenges you faced as somebody with no experience or the challenges you didn’t realize you’d face because you’ve been working with kids for 15 years. These experiences are what help prospective volunteers see themselves as part of our team.
Jim shared that he was nervous about messing something up his first time on a housing crew. His crew leader said, “There’s not a mistake that you can make that I can’t fix!” Emphasizing that CAP doesn’t expect expertise or perfection, and that they will be supported and welcomed by CAP staff (despite skill level) can be the difference between a prospect choosing CAP over an opportunity where volunteers wouldn’t have that immediate support.
Finally, while we want people to know every detail about the work, according to Jim, the mission sells itself. He sells them on where they will be volunteering because many people only associate Appalachia with poverty and coal. Once you have served here, you gain a deeper understanding. You learn about the beauty of the region and the people who live here. You discover that Appalachia has a rich history and culture. You gain a unique ability to sell folks on the experience outside of the service placement. The cultural experience can be as big a draw as the work itself. For those from Appalachia, there is a unique opportunity to share personal experiences with volunteers from outside the region.
Many of you have helped the recruitment team over the years whether you know it or not. We consistently receive volunteer applications from people who learned about CAP from an alum. Word of mouth is the most powerful tool we have, and we can only wield that power with your help. We want to encourage you to continue to serve by sharing your experience, formally by speaking to a group or informally with friends and family.
The Volunteer Program will support you in any way we can. We have developed an ambassador kit; a tool kit with a variety of resources to make sharing CAP’s mission and your personal volunteer story as easy as possible. These kits, and our recruiters, are available to you if you would like extra support. Email volunteer@chrisapp.org to let us know how you will share your CAP story!
Ashley Ellis |Volunteer Recruiter 606.392.4679 (o) | 606.308.2329(c) 310 Beiting Lane | Mt. Vernon, KY 40456 aellis@chrisapp.org
