Volunteers are divided on fundraising strategies. How can you unite them towards a common goal?

1 Identify Goals

The first step in uniting your volunteers is to clearly identify and communicate the overarching goals of your fundraising initiative. By ensuring that everyone understands what you're collectively working towards, you can create a sense of shared purpose. This common understanding is crucial as it forms the foundation upon which all strategies can be built. When volunteers are aware of the end goals, they're more likely to put aside their differences and work collaboratively, recognizing that each strategy can contribute to the larger objective.

2 Encourage Dialogue

Encouraging open dialogue among your volunteers is essential for bridging divides. Create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns without judgment. This fosters a collaborative environment where different fundraising strategies can be discussed and evaluated on their merits. Through respectful conversation, volunteers can better understand each other's perspectives and find common ground. This process not only helps in uniting the team but also ensures that all voices are heard and valued.

3 Blend Strategies

Blending different fundraising strategies can be an effective way to unite your volunteers. Take the best elements from each approach and combine them into a cohesive plan that leverages the strengths of various methods. For instance, integrating the personal touch of face-to-face interactions from traditional fundraising with the reach and efficiency of digital campaigns can create a powerful synergy. This blended strategy can satisfy volunteers who champion different methods, showing them that their contributions are integral to the campaign's success.

6 Foster Leadership

Fostering leadership within your volunteer group can play a pivotal role in uniting them. Identify individuals who show a knack for leadership and empower them to take on roles that help coordinate and integrate various fundraising strategies. These leaders can act as liaisons, ensuring that communication remains clear and that all volunteers feel their contributions are recognized and valued. Strong leadership can help maintain focus on the common goal and guide the team through any disagreements or challenges that arise.