Growing Your Membership

Recruiting Volunteers

It is the incredible work carried out by hundreds of volunteers, young and old, male and female, from all walks of life which drives us forward and makes sure that we continue to evolve as a progressive, youthful and positive organisation. Being involved in No Name! Club brings many benefits for the volunteer:

• A warm welcome.
• A positive place, full of enthusiasm for young people.
• Social responsibility.
• Great organisational skills.
• A safe space for young people.
• Inclusion to a successful organisation.
• Equality and Inclusion.

Before you start

No Name! Clubs are respected right across the country and people like to be associated with them. There are many reasons for this. People like the Ethos and Values which we promote, they respect the work we do with young people and communities and last but by no means least they have faith in the credibility of the organisation.
Clubs must openly promote:

• A warm welcome.
• A positive place, full of enthusiasm for young people.
• It should be seen to promote social responsibility.
• Great organisational skills should be demonstrated.
• A safe space for young people.
• Inclusion to a successful organisation.
• Equality and Inclusion.

Where to start?

Each club should have a succession plan in place. As Hosts and Hostesses get older they may wish to become involved in a different capacity and we should as an organisation encourage this.

The first thing to do when recruiting new volunteers is to ask them to get involved. Be specific about what they are being asked to do and the time commitment that will be required. If you can, try to match volunteers to the skills they have, however it is really important that all volunteers know they have something to offer. Potential volunteers will need reassurance:

• Invite them to a club night.
• Introduce them - who’s who and what’s what.
• Explain how they would be involved and ask them if there is anything specific they would like to get involved with.
• Assure them of that they will get full support.

Most importantly, discuss garda vetting and child protection training and the process for all volunteers.

Retaining Volunteers

Without volunteers the No Name! Club would simply not work. The level of commitment and the continued support that we receive as a National Organisation is second to none.

• Offer assistance.
• Include people.
• Compromise.

It is so important that you acknowledge the work of your volunteers and never take them for granted. Try to give variety, so all volunteers continue to learn, gain new experiences and grow as individuals.
In general volunteers will stay involved because:

• They feel valued.
• They are respected.
• They feel included.
• They feel a sense of pride.
• They have a sense of achievement.

Remember respect is key, so the most important word is “We” and the least important word is “I”.
Always acknowledge a job well done.
Offer assistance.
Include people.
Compromise.

Promoting No Name! Club

Everyone involved in No Name! Club has a responsibility to positively promote the Ethos and Values and Aims and Objectives by which we stand. Hosts and Hostesses should strive to highlight the good work they do in the local communities, which benefit from the work they do.

No Name! Club National office will always be on hand to support any coverage, whether it be print media or local radio. All clubs should be familiar with the National Framework, Better Outcomes Brighter Futures, The Health Quality Mark, Healthy Ireland and the National Quality Standards Framework.