I\u2019ve come to the conclusion that most worthwhile things in life require playing the long game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This was certainly the case with the Quillins. Years ago, as a small group leader for their 5th-grade son, Preston, I\u2019d catch their faces from time to time, as they dropped him off and picked him up on Sunday mornings. Some weeks, they\u2019d wave Preston to the door, and quickly shoot me a smile that communicated, \u201cHey, I\u2019m thankful for you, but I\u2019m not interested in chatting.\u201d Other weeks, they would reluctantly allow me to stop them when I had encouraging words to share about their son. They\u2019d engage in minimal conversation. They were cordial, but guarded. Committed to coming, but cautious about anything more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their toes were dipped into the water as far as they planned to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Until that summer I went out on a limb and asked them to volunteer at VBS<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reluctantly, Mr. Quillin said, \u201cYes.\u201d But only if he could serve with Preston, who had, by that point, moved on to middle school. And as any VBS<\/a> coordinator in dire need of volunteers, an emphatic, \u201cAbsolutely!\u201d was my response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Naturally, I handed them the more enticing responsibility for a father and son: Recreation. And they totally crushed it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As an officer in the US Navy, Mr. Quillin had rules and regimens down pat, so a room full of rambunctious kids did not ruffle his feathers one bit. And Preston supplemented the structure with his cool, easygoing disposition. They were a power duo, to say the least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I knew from Day 1 of seeing them in action, this was an opportunity I simply couldn\u2019t pass up. I vowed to do everything in my power, not only to make VBS<\/a> an enjoyable experience for them but to help them see the impact they had the potential to make if they continued past the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That week, I seized every chance I had to toss words their way that validated the amazing job they were doing. Shouting a quick, \u201cThese kids love you!! Keep up the good work!\u201d from across the room while I made my rounds was enough to etch a proud grin across Mr. Quillin\u2019s face. I was certain my door had swung wide open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But let\u2019s be honest. VBS<\/a> is a lot! So when the week was said and done, I gave them a bit of space afterward to recover before diving in for the big ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Later that summer, I carefully crafted my proposal. This time, I was going all in. I planned to recruit Mr. and Mrs. Quillin for the long-term commitment of co-leading a group. Not only did I see the potential they had to make an impact together, but I was about to have a bit of skin in the game. I was hoping they\u2019d take on a group of 5th graders in the fall; one of which would be my own son, Oliver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sure, it would tug at their heartstrings a bit, knowing I had led their son as a 5th grader not so long ago, and now they had the opportunity to do the same for me. But in addition to my own personal ploy, I was confident this group was the right fit for the Quillins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can probably guess what happened. They said, \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Isn\u2019t that the best feeling, though? When you hear, \u201cYes!\u201d rather than, \u201cNo!\u201d To check something off your list. To fill a spot. To take one step closer to having every group covered. Ah, the immediate gratification is priceless. And while that is, indeed, a practical goal, I\u2019m certain that if you keep steering with a long-game approach, you may find that you\u2019ll have fewer Yes\u2019s<\/em> to strive for each year. The investment you make on the front end will pay off in the long run, because they will not want to step away from the impact you\u2019ve helped them make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you consider recruiting volunteers in the months ahead, here are some things to remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the Quillins, this was leading recreation at VBS.<\/a> But not everyone may be able to commit an entire week of their summer. It\u2019s great to have special events or Sunday morning subbing opportunities in your back pocket to use for the people you know have potential to eventually lead in a bigger way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone loves being the recipient of praise and gratitude. So when you do have people that agree to those short-term volunteer opportunities, be sure to pour words of encouragement and affirmation upon them every chance you get. Point out something helpful you saw them do, and let them know how big of a difference it made. Thank them more than once! And always be sure to send a note in the mail after the event is over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No one likes to be nagged. It may end up backfiring if you\u2019re too hasty with another ask immediately following that first moment they chose to say, \u201cYes.\u201d Give them some space before pulling out the recruitment tactics again. Find the sweet spot: just enough time to recover and reminisce fondly on the experience. But not so much time that they\u2019ve long forgotten how much they loved it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just because there happens to be an opening for a role doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s the right one for everyone. If you have an older gentleman who thrives on thought-provoking discussions, you might regret it if you ask him to lead a rowdy group of kindergartners. On the flip side, that woman who teaches preschool full-time may feel tossed to the wolves if you sign her up with high schoolers. Based on what you know about the person, look for a role that feels most fitting for who they are. Try your best to set them up for success, even if that means patiently waiting for the right role to become available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019ve discovered a match that makes sense, be sure to let your potential volunteer in on why you asked them, and not someone else. Point out specific qualities they possess that you believe will equip them for the role you\u2019re recruiting them for. Telling them why they\u2019re awesome will empower them to want to keep being awesome.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStart with a small ask.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Use your words.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Give it some time. Then ask again.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Find the right fit.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tell them what they bring to the table.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Connect them to their community.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n