So You're the New President. Now What?
Updated: May. 19, 2015
Will you get the volunteers you need to manage the chapter?
You can't do it alone and neither can your board members. Some positions, more than others, need committee members and volunteers to get things done. Membership, Programs and Communications seem to need additional assistance while other positions such as Secretary, Treasurer and, of course, President can play it more or less solo.
You'll want volunteers from the membership to get involved not only to help out your board members, but to prep them for future leadership and so there is a real connection between the chapter leadership and the membership. When you have boards that do everything and then dictate on high what is what to the membership, you set up an unhealthy dynamic in the chapter. Volunteers help bridge the gap and can better communicate to the members what is going on as they interact for one reason or another.
Finding and getting volunteers for various roles is a challenge. One of the best ways to find volunteers is simply to ask. We recommend using a monthly survey that gathers information about each meeting or general topic but asks at the bottom, “Are you interested in volunteering for x,y or z position?” or “We need help in the following committees....” People love to help and give back and by just asking you give them the opportunity to respond. In addition to posting questions in your surveys, you can use the newsletter and/or your website to do the same. People will come if you put it out there.
One thing to look out for is positions or committees that are requiring too much time from their members. This is a problem you want to fix and address before you go asking for replacements or new volunteers. Look at how much time is required for the position and try to reduce it as much as possible by adding new systems or some technology that will automate tasks and keep things organized.
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