UNIVERSITYADVANCEMENT

Building Alumni SupportPresented at the University of the West Indies

Mona Visitor’s LodgeTuesday, April 18, 2006

UNIVERSITYADVANCEMENT

3 Common Reasons Why People Volunteer Desire to help others Interested in the good of the public Natural human need for good health

Keynote: There are multiple reasons why people volunteer. The challenge of the recruiter is to

identify each prospective volunteer motivation.

2 Top Reasons Why People Don’t Volunteer They do not feel they were asked. Most people do not say “no”; they simply never know you wanted them to

say “yes”.

Keynote: Understand that people legitimately cannot volunteer because of several reasons. Be willing to

address those real concerns.

UNIVERSITYADVANCEMENT

Overcome your challenges Have a positive attitude. Provide meaningful work. Determine most qualified prospects. Be willing to adapt and diversify. Actively ask people to help.

Understand your role as recruiter Purposely seek out alumni. Show alumni how they can give back. Get alumni excited.

UNIVERSITYADVANCEMENT

Define expectations Establish goals and objectives. Provide clear roles and responsibilities. Develop job descriptions. Provide a worthwhile experience.

Orientation and Training Program Schedule a retreat. Establish an ongoing program for new and experience volunteers. Hold regularly scheduled meetings. Develop manual or online reference guide. Survey, survey, survey.

UNIVERSITYADVANCEMENT

Recognition Provide individual recognition on print and electronic collateral. Supply official name badges and business cards. Establish an incentive program where volunteers are awarded for their work. Provide tangible perks for individual volunteers (i.e. free merchandise, priority

registration and seating at events, job referrals, etc…).

Action Steps Provide meaningful opportunity for alumni to get involved. Begin surveying and identify alumni who are interested. Pick up the phone and start calling today. Schedule an organizational meeting at a favorite location or at your home. Assign roles and responsibilities based on individual strengths. Plan calendar of events and budget for the fiscal year.

Make sure programs are mission-driven. Identify potential sponsors for events.

UNIVERSITYADVANCEMENT

Program Suggestions (cost-effective and meaningful) Community Service – establish a national day for community service Student Recruitment – attend college fairs; host reception for parents. Mentor – serve as a mentor to a current UWI student. Corporate Days – host an event where UWI alumni work. Traveling Business Networking Event – determine some popular locations

where alumni can gather socially once a month to network. Family Picnic or outing to a local attraction – provide opportunity for alumni

with young families to participate. Taste of UWI – gather once a year to celebrate all the wonderful food and

music of the Caribbean. Scholarships – support a current UWI student financially. Volunteer Recognition – recognize volunteers ongoing.