Thanks for taking the WPI Proven Practices assessment! Your results show your initial focus should be to Recruit Volunteer Champions.
Creating strong volunteer champions to help drive your efforts is a key principle of successful women’s philanthropy. Volunteer leaders are often bold and committed, accelerating action and success. It is critical to build an inclusive group of volunteer champions to incorporate all voices. Once you’ve developed your compelling “Why?” and specific opportunities to grow women’s philanthropy, you’ll be able to test your ideas with this diverse group. Recognize that your champions can reach into their networks and help connect you with allies who will be critical to the process when you are ready to gather stakeholder input.
Below are the first steps to build volunteer champions as partners in this work. Explore the tools to kickstart your efforts at recruiting engaged volunteer champions.
Your First Steps
- Learn from others’ successes
- Read this blog, particularly about the University of San Francisco: The Power of Leadership Champions
- Watch The Power of Volunteer Champions
- Build your champion group
With your leaders cemented as true partners, your organization will be able to create an inclusive, successful and sustainable initiative. Volunteer champions are the engine of real change and can work with your organization to accelerate women’s philanthropy initiatives.
Actions
- Choose your diverse group
- Invite your volunteers to join
- Brief them on organizational needs
- Meet to build their interest and commitment
If you're interested in additional ways to get started, explore Build Leadership Commitment, Gather Women’s Input, or Engage Your Staff.