JOIN: How to recruit volunteers well and safely

There is nothing like a personal request to help people to respond positively to volunteering opportunities. It is worth reminding your church that it is everyone’s responsibility to share their faith with younger generations. Those who cannot be active children’s and youth workers can still be supportive, welcoming and committed to praying for families, children and young people.

There is some paperwork that needs to be done to do recruiting well. These documents ensure that those who take on a new role know what is expected of them, and how long they are signing up to do the work. It does not have to be an onerous process getting these requirements sorted, especially if you use some already existing templates to adapt to your circumstances.

Check to see if your diocese has a Youth and Children’s Advisor*, especially if you are starting some youth or children’s work from scratch. Such people are experts in helping you through every step of this process. Your diocesan website may also have resources, training, templates and help available.

*They may be known as a different title in your diocese, so take a look at the Children’s and Youth Ministry web page on your diocese’s website for more information.

If you are able to find someone who will act as a volunteer coordinator, to ensure that the recruitment, training and development of volunteers of all ages is done well, that can be hugely effective. If you have someone with expertise in such a role, so much the better.

Many of us will have ideas about the types of people who might volunteer to lead children and young people. Maybe parents/family members, or students, or people in their twenties. Maybe those who work, or have worked, in schools. These are all great types of people to ask – but remember to ask other people too. Here are some ideas of other types of people you could ask.