Training Volunteers
Action Plan
2 months prior to training:
- Recruit volunteers through
- Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other faith communities.
- The local volunteer clearinghouse.
- Press releases to newspapers and television outlets.
- Stories in the local press, including alternative publications.
- Colleges and universities.
- Civic clubs and service organizations.
- Public service announcements on local radio stations.
- Set a date for training.
- Reserve a facility.
1 month prior to training:
- Have prospective volunteers fill out an application and prequalify them by conducting a phone interview.
- Prescreen volunteers for
- Availability.
- Telephone skills.
- Access to transportation.
- Access to a telephone.
- Ability to follow written instructions and complete required paperwork.
- Consent to a criminal background and reference check.
- Enlist training team for key topics.
- Enlist volunteers for support functions.
- Plan food service.
2 weeks prior to training:
- Confirm reservations.
- Prepare all handouts and training manuals.
- Begin criminal background and reference checks on prospective volunteers.
- Send relevant training manual segments to presenters (e.g., agenda, guidelines, tip sheets).
- Prepare a training agenda (see sample agenda).
1 week prior to training:
- Confirm trainee attendance.
- Confirm meal and snack plans.
- Confirm speakers.
1 day before training:
- Set up the facility.
- Buy paper products and supplies.
- Make reminder calls to all attendees, volunteers, and speakers.