One of the most common problems in a booster club is not having enough volunteers to complete all the duties required. Often a small group of volunteers perform most of the work. One of the best ways to get more volunteers is to encourage 100% participation. 

Encouraging 100% participation in your booster club is a vital strategy to ensure that all tasks are completed, and the load doesn’t fall on just a few people. When everyone gets involved, it not only lightens the load but also strengthens the sense of community and shared responsibility. Here are some effective ways to increase volunteer participation in your booster club: 

Clarify What Participation Means

Time, Not Just Money:  Volunteers need to understand that contributing time can be just as valuable—if not more so—than monetary donations. Emphasize that participation doesn't always mean a large time commitment; even small actions can make a big impact.

Different Forms of Contribution: Not all volunteers need to take on full-time responsibilities. There are many ways to help: organizing events, providing skills (e.g., marketing, graphic design, writing), donating items, or even spreading the word on social media.

Create a Volunteer Sign-Up System

Make it easy for people to sign up for volunteer opportunities by using an online sign-up tool (like BoosterHub) that allows members to select shifts or tasks that fit their availability. Ensure that the system is easy to use and accessible to everyone in the club.

Tips for an Effective Volunteer System:

• Include clear descriptions of each volunteer task and its time commitment.
• Regularly update the sign-up sheet to reflect current needs.
• Send reminders to those who have signed up to keep them on track.

Create Opportunities for “Micro-Volunteerism”

Many people might feel they can’t commit to regular volunteer work, but offering "micro-volunteering" opportunities—one-off tasks or brief engagements—can give them a chance to participate without feeling overwhelmed.

Examples could include making phone calls, attending a single meeting, stuffing envelopes, working a concession stand shift or participating in a social media campaign.

Create a Strong Volunteer Culture

Foster a sense of community:  People are more likely to participate if they feel like they’re part of something meaningful. Regular volunteer appreciation events, recognition for efforts, and a culture that celebrates even small contributions will help build a sense of community and shared ownership.

Be Inclusive: Encourage everyone, regardless of their role, to feel like they can make a difference. This can be done through regular communication about how volunteers' efforts are contributing to the mission and by celebrating volunteers’ accomplishments publicly.

Offer Flexibility and Accessibility 

Not everyone has the same amount of time to give. Offering different types of volunteer opportunities at different times, both virtual and in-person, can help ensure more people feel they can contribute.

Make sure that your volunteer programs are accessible—both in terms of time commitment and in terms of physical or mental demands.

Leverage Technology, Social Media and Communication Tools

Use social media, email, and messaging platforms to keep members informed about upcoming volunteer needs. Regularly post updates and encourage members to share these posts within their own networks to help spread the word and increase engagement.

Communication Tips:

• Use Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to highlight volunteer opportunities and thank volunteers.
• Create a dedicated section in your club's newsletter or email communications to promote volunteer needs.
• Encourage members to invite their friends and family to help out.

Recognize and Reinforce the Impact

Volunteers are often motivated by a sense of purpose. Regularly highlight how their participation is making a difference. Share success stories, progress updates, and tangible results to help them see the direct impact of their involvement.

Publicly thank volunteers through newsletters, events, or social media shout-outs. Recognition makes people feel valued and more likely to continue contributing.

‍Show Impact of Volunteering with Data

Use clear metrics to show how volunteer participation is leading to adding to the booster club program. This can include things like the number of hours volunteered, funds raised, people helped, or goals achieved by the booster club.

Data makes the results of participation more concrete, and when volunteers see that their small contributions are part of a bigger picture, they’re more likely to remain engaged.

Follow Up and Keep it Personal

If someone has expressed interest in volunteering in the past but hasn’t followed through, send a personal reminder or follow-up message. Make it clear that their help is needed, and encourage them to get involved in a way that’s comfortable for them.

Personal Follow-Up Tips:

• Send a personalized email or make a phone call to ask for their help with a specific task.
• Offer to match them with a task or role that fits their interests or schedule.
• Show appreciation for their past involvement and encourage them to return when they can.

By implementing these strategies, your booster club will be well on its way to achieving 100% participation from members, ensuring that no task falls solely on a few volunteers and that the burden is shared across the entire group. Engaging everyone not only ensures the success of the club’s mission but also fosters a sense of belonging and accomplishment within the group.