Create a Team Environment
Having sufficient volunteers to keep your group running efficiently is perhaps the hardest element of all to organise. As volunteers they are under no obligation to attend ‘on demand’ and it is your job to make their efforts rewarding. A sense of comradeship and belonging is very important and one of the ways of doing this is to issue all your helpers with a T shirt or sweat shirt (depending on the season). Organise a ‘thank you’ lunch occasionally at a local pub if your club does not have the catering resources available.

Where to find Volunteers
Approach other organisations such as your local branch of Rotary International to see if they have any members with the kind of skills you need to operate effectively. Check the internet to see if there are any volunteer organisations such as CVS in your area. A volunteer scheme may be operating under the guidance of your local council.
Meeting groups with a membership of mostly retired people can be rewarding too. Especially if they have members having special skills that you need to maintain your boats or keep records and accounts.

Expert Volunteers
If you are based at a sailing club, seek the help of other experienced sailors and instructors who may be able to give up some time to your effort. Their leadership will help to set your other volunteers an example of what is needed.
Remember ‘those who don’t ask don’t get’. You will be surprised how successful just asking the question can be, once you have built up your volunteer band, make them feel a part of the team in order to retain them.

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