The following is a group of key principles for volunteer communication strategies gleaned from observations of the work of nonprofits.

* Understand that all volunteers aren’t the same
* Plan communication activities for each segment based on what you know
* Roll out more targeted communications to build engagement
* Train colleagues, volunteer leadership and board members as messengers to expand the reach of your volunteer communications.
* Remember that your audience’s perspective, wants, needs and interests change
* Establish an active volunteer feedback loop
* Track outreach to supplement the feedback loop

For more advice on these and even more principles, click here.

START THE CONVERSATION! What has been your experience with volunteer recruitment and/or retention? As a volunteer, do you think the above tips would be helpful?