Are you a non-profit organization (NPO) looking to recruit volunteers? You have an incredible mission, but few people really know about it. How do you get their attention and, more importantly, convince them to join your team?
The answer? A recruitment video!
In this article, find out how to inspire more people to join your cause!
Why a video?
Connect with future volunteers
A recruitment video is more than a means of communication. It's an open door to your world that creates an emotional connection with your future volunteers.
It allows them to see, feel and experience what you do, and that's exactly what inspires someone to say, "I want to be part of this team."
By showing the impact of your organization, you can touch the hearts of the public most passionate about your mission. Potential volunteers see what they could accomplish, and more importantly, feel the energy and passion behind your cause.
Recruitment Video 101: NPO Edition
A successful video should reflect the authenticity of your organization and its volunteers.
Here are a few tips for creating attention-grabbing content:
- Authentic testimonials: Let your volunteers tell their stories. Why did they get involved? What do they love about their role? These personal stories are often more convincing than a marketing pitch. If you're interested in this topic, our guide to customer testimonials is waiting for you!
- Show the action: Film your volunteers in action. Whether at a meal distribution or a charity event, show the moments that define your mission. These action shots convey strong emotions and allow viewers to project themselves.
- Avoid rigid scripts: Videos that seem too "prepared" can lack authenticity. Let your volunteers speak spontaneously, show raw moments. This will make your video more human.
Storytelling strategy to recruit volunteers: The 3-act model
To capture your audience's attention, use simple, effective storytelling. The 3-act model is perfect for beginners and works wonders for a recruitment video.
Act 1: The initial situation
Introduce your organization and the problem you're trying to solve. For example: "We started out with an ambitious goal: to provide a roof over the heads of all homeless people. But to succeed, we need more volunteers."
Act 2: The challenge or the obstacle
Explain the challenges you face. "With our small team, we can't reach all the people who need our help. We need extra hands to carry out our projects."
Act 3: The solution
Show how volunteers make a difference. Use images of them in action and testimonials to illustrate the tangible impact. "Thanks to people like Julie and Paul, we were able to provide shelter for 200 people this year. Imagine what we could accomplish with you!"
This simple format helps structure your message and highlight the urgent need for volunteers.
Authenticity and emotional impact
A recruitment video works well if it's authentic. Give a live glimpse of reality at home! Viewers connect with people, see their emotions and share authentic moments.
Use the 3-act storytelling technique to bring your message to life. By structuring your video as a story, you create a connected and involved virtual community.
Practical tips for creating a volunteer recruitment video
Here are a few simple tools for producing professional-quality video without blowing your budget.
- Use your cell phone: Your phone probably has a high-quality camera. Use it to film dynamic, realistic scenes.
- Easy editing: Apps like Capcut or Adobe Premiere are perfect for editing, even if you're not an expert. Don't forget to add subtitles to make your video more accessible.
- Light and sound: Make sure you have good natural light and clear sound. Good lighting and a small lapel microphone can make all the difference to the quality of your video.
Strategic distribution: Where and how to share your volunteer recruitment video?
Is your video ready? Excellent! Now it's time to share it with the Internet. Here are a few platforms where you can publish it:
- YouTube and Vimeo: Ideal for hosting your video.
- Social networks: Post it on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and use relevant hashtags to increase its visibility.
- Newsletter and website: Send it via your newsletter or place it on your home page to maximize its reach.
Don't forget to ask your current volunteers and team members to share it on their own social networks!
Conclusion: Get your future volunteers on board!
A well-constructed video is a personal invitation to join a passionate and dedicated team. It shows the impact of your mission, while inspiring new people to get involved with you.
Machiavel Studios specializes in creating immersive videos for NPOs and companies that want to stand out from the status quo.
With our passionate and creative team, we can help you tell your story authentically.
Whether you're recruiting volunteers, promoting a campaign, or highlighting your impact, we're here to support you from ideation to final editing.
So, are you ready to reach new volunteers with a powerful video?
Visit our dedicated page or chat with a team member for a brainstorming session!