Sure, men will listen as you describe the volunteer experience. Many will even sign up when encouraged. But, what will it take to keep them as on-going volunteers?
Actually-it's not difficult to get men to volunteer. It's difficult to sustain their involvement in the opportunity. Men are quick to walk away, and not because of lack of interest. It's a “matter of fact” that if men don't feel the action is justified they will not do it. They hate to waste energy. So, here are some “facts” to consider if sustaining male volunteers is the goal.
Men Require Motivating
“Kick Off” the male volunteer experience in place of a stylish sit-down banquet dinner. Men are basically project-oriented and competitive, and response best to a rally-styled first meeting that clearly outlines what needs to be done. Swap the “keynote speaker” for a “coach,” include a “no ties rule” and every guy invited will be in attendance.
Men Like It Short, Sweet, And To The Point
In general, many men would rather sign on for a short-term project than chair a committee. While men enjoy sharing the benefit of their knowledge, most will not want an administrative volunteer position-unless, of course, it's honorary. Men are more likely to complete a short-term project, and do so on time, if they have been given a specific job with a defined goal.
Men Don't Like Meetings For Meeting's Sake
A limited meeting schedule will have the most appeal to men. While many men will volunteer, few will willingly attend the organizational meetings. Organize the experience in such a way that obligates men to attend only a few meetings, adjust the meeting times and places, and space apart the meeting dates. Use emails, blogs and faxes to keep them up to date on the business aspects of the experience.
Men Get Involved When Other Men Get Involved
Men aren't particularly comfortable in settings where they are out-numbered by the opposite sex, but they like working in a mixed group. It is also true that the more men involved, the more men will stay. Take advantage of a valuable resource-men who are already involved are the best people to use as recruiters-by asking them to invite other men. Staging small group meetings at the local pizza parlor or bowling alley is a great way to allow more men to meet one another. Men get together at low-pressure events and find common interests, and are more receptive to volunteer involvement when they know they'll see some familiar faces.
Men Have Their Own Way Of Doing Things
Be open to new ways of performing the same old tasks. Don't expect men to do everything the way it always has been done, and don't stereotype them. Being highly competitive creatures, men like to fix things that are not broken-meaning, an important part of working with male volunteers is welcoming new ideas. While some male volunteers will be extremely detail-oriented, with checklists and spreadsheets prepared months in advance, others will want to do everything on the fly and will be successful.
Men Don't Fit That Stereotypical Role Anymore
Despite the great shifts in gender roles in recent decades, in some places the stereotype persists that women run the volunteer programs and men do the “heavy lifting.” Don't limit men in this way. The more successful volunteer program will operate using this philosophy: Whoever has the time to help is welcome, no strings attached.
In summary, men will make a strong commitment to whatever volunteer opportunity they decide to get involved in. Typically, they will complete the opportunity despite whatever obstacles surface. They will shine in the opportunity if allowed to be creative, different and physically involved in some way.
