Learning how to recruit requires practice. Watching people do it is not the same as trying it. The following exercises require role play which will help you learn. The recruiter needs to know about the job, not talk too much and ask questions. The potential volunteer should add information as he/she goes along, filling in the character as needed. Factors to consider, occupation, availability during the week, previous volunteer experience. Responses can range from the eager beaver to an outright no.

Making inquiries

You call another member to ask for some suggestions for volunteers.

You are looking for a treasurer for your club and compiled a list of people to contact. Some were to get names others were to call. On your list is a woman whom you have occasionally hiked with. Cara Beaner likes 3-7 mile hikes, no backpacking; stay at home mom with child born in last year but do not know age or sex. CPA, lives in White Plains (45 minutes from TC office). Do not know if she understands volunteering as she is European and has lived in the states for the last 10 years. You see her on a hike and talk with her.

Talking to a group leader who wants a project

You are charge of trails in a particular area (you name what area it is). Luke Warm, a scout leader calls and wants a project for his troop. He lives near the state line.

Recruiting someone who has indicated they wish to volunteer

With a partner, review Sandy Hook’s Members Volunteer and Conservation Questionnaire. One person should assume the role of recruiter and try to recruit the other to fill one of the following jobs:

• Maintain a trail
• Help at a conference/club event such as annual meeting, monthly meeting
• Serve on membership committee
• Write up beginning hikes for web site

Asking someone to do a job

You will be a recruiter or a potential volunteer. Either pick one of the jobs listed below to recruit for or use one from your list.

• Supervise trail maintainers
• Run series of introductory hikes in local park, at park’s request
• Serve on board of directors
• Maintain section of web site

Pick a character from the following list as someone you are going to recruit.

Gordon Blue

Maintainer for 4 years, serves as hike leader for hiking club, history teacher with children in college, lives in NY; first noticed testifying at Sterling Forest hearings.

Helena Handbasket

Educator at local nature preserve; single in late 20’s, helped another employee layout the trail system; suggested by a hiking pal; not a TC member.

Russell Sprout

Regularly submits book reviews to Trail Walker; knows trails in northern NJ well; TC family member with 8 and 10 year old, wife hikes; does activities with family.

Val N Teer

lives in NJ, hikes in NY 2-3 times/week; since retiring, has come on 10 Trail Conference work trips; suggested by trail crew chief.

Justin Thyme

lives in NYC, is a 30 something single male, hikes every weekend, takes great photos; a friend of yours

Al Timiter

1999 AT thru hiker a.k.a Techie; grew up in Vermont, recently moved into area with new job; called the office and wants to help.

Pete Tonn

works part time as lawyer; single, hikes in Catskills, Gunks, active club member and has served on club board.

Ima Walker

stay-at-home mom with 3 and 6 year old; wants to volunteer (could be to get job skills current or to get out of house); daughter’s Brownie Scout leader for one year.