Thinking like a man will increase the ability to involve men in volunteer activities.
Is it really possible to gain the involvement of men in community projects and to maintain it? What strategies should groups use to engage more men?
Let's face it- Men are different. The unique and creative methods that inspire the participation of the female volunteer usually need to be modified to gain the attention and involvement of men and male groups. When most men hear volunteer ads on radio and television or read them in local newspapers, they simply don't get that the ad is directed to them. There is a misconception that being involved with community projects is largely a female preoccupation, and specifically what stay-at-home moms do with their time.
“Yes, I hear that announcement,” said Phillip Martinez, when questioned about a radio ad calling for volunteers to assist with the annual carnival at his church. “I didn't pay it much attention because I knew the women at our parish, like my wife, normally handle things like that.”
Calling A Few Good Men
Men assume the women participants know and understand they will respond when someone directly lets them know they are needed. Martinez says. “If men are asked to do something, they will do it.”
To communicate that men are encouraged to participate, make appeals directly to men. Even if the volunteer drive is a general recruitment, make separate materials for the men and in them refrain from using inclusive references such as “all” or “any local residents,” “concerned citizens,” “neighbors”…or the title of “parents.” Research by the Council for Community-Based Involvement in Birmingham, MI., has shown that men respond more quickly to the words “male or men” than to even the word “parent,” says Aaron Jacobi, the Council's chairperson. To illustrate the importance of this technique, recall the perception of “parent groups,” it remains that most people think of the parent group as being made up of “moms.”
So, the important first step in recruiting the male volunteer is to ask men to be involved. It is unlikely that men will feel welcome unless the recruiting organization or their spouse or child personally invites them, and they will be more likely to attend if assured that other men will be there.
Engage Men In A Meaningful Way
Being project-oriented creatures, men are more receptive to volunteer opportunities that allow them to accomplish a specific, concrete task. They need to be able to see with their “mind's eye” what it is that they are to do. Men respond to invitations to volunteer that are clear about what needs to be done and that indicate definite beginnings and end points. They don't seem to need the props that sometimes turn meetings into a social hour. Men like to “take care of business,” and are especially good when that business involves fun, physical activities and spirited competitions.
As tradition would have it, men-as well as women-have come to see the male volunteer's role in community projects as being to provide the “braun.” They are comfortable with helping set up, breakdown and run those types of operations that require lifting heavy objects and getting dirty. But, don't limit the male volunteer. Avoid thinking that certain tasks are for men only. Today's male volunteers are handling far more sensitive and nurturing tasks than ever before-and doing it willingly. They now accept volunteer roles in both social and academic settings: the role of child care monitor, supervising extracurricular activities that involve crafts, leading focus group sessions about sensitive issues and patiently transport seniors.
When recruiting always emphasize that all volunteers are welcome to help in whatever way works for them. Let ads and announcements indicate that the organization provides an “equal opportunity” environment. It's important to emphasize that tailoring recruitment efforts for men is about making them feel welcome and doesn't mean excluding women. “Men should automatically jump and say, "How can I be involved?" but they don't. It's just reality,” Jacobi says. The difference in the level of a man's participation as a volunteer is tied to how specific the recruitment materials have been in terms of offering an experience men can be comfortable with. Specifically targeting men for involvement will make the difference between whether or not they participate. Explaining what you're doing to potential female volunteers will result in their assistance.
