Re-engaging past volunteers

Take time to make a personal approach. Picking up the phone and talking definitely works best!

Avoid sending out blanket emails or text; personalising them does make a difference. Why not have a chat to catch-up to find out how things are with them before talking about their role in scouting.

consider what you want to say and how you say it.

Talking to them with energy and positivity is vital, This is a great opportunity to drive change in a good way. So here are some tips to help you with those conversations.  

Be sensitive – It is vital to remember that everyone is dealing with their own personal situations, people are all different and will react in different ways. So be sensitive and show empathy regardless of their response.  

Be supportive - If they don’t feel like they can return now that’s ok, but make sure to remind them that the door is always open for when they do feel more comfortable to come back.  

Be adaptable - There is no right or wrong way to approach this, so making sure you adapt your style to the person you’re talking to is really important.  

Be flexible – Give them the opportunity to talk about how they would like to be involved - weekly, monthly, when needed? This allows for even more flexibility in what your team can do to support your group and local community.  

Don’t put square pegs in round holes – Rather than allocating a role, assign a task ensuring that it suits their individual preferences and situation making sure to keep it as simple as possible. Everyone is different and has different skills and interests you can utilise.  

Option to stay in role - If they are happy to restart, that’s great! You can put together a plan for their next steps and assign them tasks to get the ball rolling!  

Stay with different responsibilities – Some members of your team may be willing to come back, but perhaps not in the same capacity as before. Having an idea of tasks which need doing available during the chat would be a benefit, remembering to make note of the tasks now vacant.  Perhaps you may want to use the 4-week challenge (find out more here). In short, give them the opportunity to try something new!  

Extend their break – It’s ok if they don't want to return at this time. Focus on what's right for them. Make sure you keep in contact, whether that’s a quick phone call, group chats or through social media. Try to establish a possible future date for them to return. Only do this when they are ready do so. 

Moving on - If they are unable or would rather not resume their role/task, try to understand the reasons why. Is there anything we can do to help? Can adjustments be made? Can they take on a different role/tasks? Reassure them that we understand not everyone will feel comfortable or be able to resume their roles/tasks as they previously did. If they still decide to go this is ok as long as we know, and it’s always worth an ask whether they are happy for us to get in touch again at a later date. 

It is vital that once they come back, you offer and provide support, in whatever form that may be. Make sure they know they can contact you to talk about any issues or concerns they have. 

The door is always open – This on its own is enough but making sure your they can come to you with questions is important.  

Keep in contact– Once they are back don't assume that they are ok. Check in regularly and make sure they are alright, and if there are any issues, it's easier to tackle th

Team meetings – Bring your team together and have the time to talk through who is doing what, highlight any gaps and or concerns that may be there. Plan to arrange regular team meetings thereafter to touch base with your volunteers and to plan and prepare your activities.