BY LAUREN GIBEAULT
PALS Recruitment Coordinator
At the heart of every PALS summer camp experience lies the spirit of inclusivity, transformed lives, and authentic relationships. As we gear up for our 20th anniversary, PALS faces a perennial challenge – the need for more male volunteers. One-to-one pairings are one of the hallmarks of PALS Programs, and we believe that the PALS family can support our efforts in recruiting dedicated male volunteers.
In my role as the Recruitment Coordinator, I had the pleasure of hosting two focus groups with some of our current male volunteers to learn more about what brought them to PALS and what are some barriers for male volunteers joining PALS. Together, we surfaced some common trends and themes!
Personal Connection Matters:
Every male participant in the focus groups had one thing in common – they all learned about PALS through a personal ask from a friend. Interestingly, many required more than one conversation or ask before committing. This highlights the importance of personal connections and the need for persistent outreach efforts by existing volunteers.
Overcoming Hesitations:
The focus group participants expressed hesitations about inviting friends, fearing they might not be the "right fit” for PALS. However, those who took the leap were pleasantly surprised by the transformative experience that awaited their friends. Overcoming these initial hesitations is crucial to expanding the pool of male volunteers.
Appeal of Fun and Adventure:
The unanimous consensus among male participants was the allure of the fun and adventure elements offered by PALS Programs. People want to hear about the unique experiences and memorable moments they could have. I mean, who doesn’t want to go to the beach, amusement park, or Google Headquarters?!
The Hidden Benefits:
All male participants noted how learning what volunteers can gain from the PALS experience, such as community service hours, resume builders, and leadership opportunities, helped solidify their decision to apply.
A Call to the PALS Family:
As PALS embarks on its 20th anniversary season, the organization is calling on its extended family to rally behind the renewed efforts towards male volunteer recruitment.
Share PALS with your personal network, and share more than once! Think about your friends, family, neighbors, and club members, that you can invite to join us.
Rather than questioning whether someone is a “fit” for PALS, remember the transformative experience that PALS offers. Rest assured, PALS screens every volunteer prior to enrollment!
Tell people about the fun! Show them videos and photos that give them a glimpse into the unforgettable memories.
Don’t forget to share about the things they will gain from the experience - whether it is leadership experience, community service hours, or lifelong friendships.
In supporting PALS in our commitment to inspiring a world of belonging, the call to action is clear – spread the word, make those personal asks, and encourage potential male volunteers to be a part of the PALS magic! Together, let’s make Summer 2024 the best one yet!
If you’re looking for resources to share, send our Join Us webpage
or forward our flyer!