I literally crammed this book with every suggestion and recommendation on the subject of recruitment developed over my 20-plus years in the volunteer management field. The book first shows how to design the best assignments for volunteers as the initial step to recruit the most qualified people. What follows is a wealth of information on topics ranging from how your organization's image affects your success in recruitment to where to look for new volunteers, including your own backyard. The Volunteer Recruitment Book also offers a whole chapter on membership development for all-volunteer organizations, including how to get current members "off the rolls and on their feet."

The 2002 Appendix updates "Outreach in Cyberspace," explaining the Internet as a powerful recruitment tool. Learn how to make your own agency's Web site attract applicants, utilize online registries of volunteer opportunities well, and incorporate e-mail, listservs, and other Internet capabilities to target your search.

"Positively the best book I have found for ideas, rationale and methodology. I am on my 4th copy to date as they keep getting 'borrowed' and not returned!"
--Anthea Hoare, Co-ordinator, Community Resources

"At last, a truly perceptive book on volunteer recruitment, one that doesn't belabor the obvious, talk down to readers, or offer farfetched scenarios and advice."
-- Contributions, July/August 1995

"If you're in the business of recruiting volunteers [this book] should be on your shelf."
-- Philanthropy Journal

"...Susan Ellis puts across ideas clearly, with energy, conviction, and humour...."
-- Volunteering, UK

"Even experienced administrators can look at what we think we know well and see it from a different perspective...A 'must- have' for any good library on volunteer management...."
--Leadership

“I am an active volunteer with a Dallas, Texas Citywide neighborhood crime prevention program. The program is “Volunteers In Patrol”, a very successful crime prevention tool here in Dallas. Very actively supported by the Dallas Police Department. When I speak to neighborhood groups, I always mention Susan Ellis’ book, “The Volunteer Recruitment Book”. It is the best source of practical recruiting ideas and suggestions that I’ve found. Congratulations to Ms. Ellis.”
-- Ed Fox

(When you've completed the book, remember to e-mail us at and share your review!)

Excerpted from "Your Circle of Resources"
One of my favorite suggestions for volunteer recruitment is also one of the simplest: start with the resources in closest proximity to your agency. What untapped treasures might be across the street or on the next block?

Picture your facility as the center of a bull's eye, with concentric circles around it. Now do the following. If you are in an urban area, walk out your front door with a clipboard and pen (take along a volunteer for company). If you are more rural, do this by driving. The point is to walk completely around the block (or drive in a tight circle) and write down everything you see: stores, businesses, parking lots, churches, apartment houses, schools, etc. A "Proximity Chart" worksheet for your use is on the next page.

Table of Contents

1. Recruitment is the Third Step pp. 5-10
Section 1: Preparation
2. A Fresh Look at Volunteer Job Design pp. 11-20
3. Why People Volunteer ... and Don't pp. 21-28
4. The Power of Image pp. 29-36
5. Trends and Issues in Volunteerism pp. 37-44
6. Where to Look for Volunteerspp. 45-60
Section II: Invitation
7. Techniques of Recruitment (Part One) pp. 61-76
8. Techniques of Recruitment (Part Two) pp. 77-92
9. Inviting, Not Pleading pp. 93-100
10. Doing It pp. 101-108
Section III: Variation
11. The Quest for Diversity pp. 109-116
12. Appealing to Special Target Audiences pp. 117-126
13. Membership Development pp. 127-134
14. Alternatives to Recruitment pp. 135-143
Also includes January 2002-updated Appendix on Outreach in Cyberspace pp. 143-148

Concerned about whether you can view an electronic book? Viewing the terms of agreement below is a good test to see if you can easily view electronic books. If you can successfully click on the link and open the table of contents, you should have no problem viewing the book. Terms If you have problems, you probably need to install or upgrade Acrobat Reader. Click on the graphic below to download the latest version from the Adobe website. It is an easy download. They also have a support area if you continue to have problems with viewing.