• keep a viable relationship with current workers to create a friendly atmosphere
• approach prospective volunteers in a kindly, positive manner
• allow them total freedom in the decision to join your team
• provide a printed job description
• explain the benefits of volunteering with Children's Ministries!

Lay a foundation for volunteer service by creating an atmosphere where volunteers feel part of a successful program. They need to feel that God will bless in the work they do. Some ways to lay this groundwork are:

1. Find members who have children's work at heart. Ask them to pray for the Children's Ministry.
2. Select people who have had experience working with children. Ask them to pray for and with a volunteer.
3. Hold a dedication service that includes both volunteers and their prayer-partners.
4. Explain to volunteers that honor in service pays greater reward than cash wages--especially if you are ministering where you have been gifted by God.
5. Encourage current workers to recruit helpers who love working with children. Groom them as future official volunteers.
6. Inspire adult Sabbath School classes to adopt or sponsor "missionaries" to the children's division. The class can pray for, affirm, and encourage the volunteers they sponsor.
7. Make the volunteers' work as easy and pleasant as possible. Get their supplies, encourage them, remember their birthdays.
8. Ask the nominating committee to consult the children's division leader before appointing leaders in the department.
   

RETAINING VOLUNTEERS
Retaining volunteers doesn't happen by accident. You must plan carefully. Show workers that you care about their efforts. You can do this in several ways:

1. Stop by a classroom. Ask how things are going and what needs they have.
2. Alert the church communications secretary of division events for reporting to the church newsletter or community newspaper.
3. Find substitute leaders and teachers who will work in an emergency so volunteers won't have to worry if they need to be absent.
4. Feature the children's division in an 11-o'clock service once or twice a year. Volunteers feel encouraged when they realize that the church knows that they're doing.
5. Visit volunteers at home so they know you really care.
6. Put up a bulletin board in the hall, and display pictures of volunteers.

In-service education helps hold volunteers. People like to feel that they're growing. Here are a few suggestions for division meetings:

• Volunteers expect that meetings will benefit them, and want to be involved in planning.
• Humor, energy, and creative touches guarantee that volunteers won't miss meetings.
• Begin programs with ice-breaker techniques to relax those who attend.
• Make the event spiritual in nature.
• Seek to increase effectiveness and satisfaction in the volunteer's work.
• Present methods that will improve skills.
• Teach how to meet the needs of children.
• Retain the church's shared vision as the center of child training.

In-service training can occur as one big event each year, or at regularly scheduled times. But if meetings are to be successful you'll need to consider the time, place, and location. That means you must take into account your workers' schedules and places of residence when choosing a meeting place. Don't expect a good turnout unless you advertise and have a central attraction--a guest speaker, film, or potluck.

Another important aspect of training sessions lies in the fact that most attenders have children. They can't spend an hour or two at the meeting, unless you arrange for child care. Usually, some eighth or ninth graders will volunteer, and you can finance it by taking an offering.

Holding volunteers will be easier if the church board supports the children's division. Find a church leader who will act as mentor for your division. This person can keep up with your needs and present them to the board. They can also take your side when matters arise that affect children. Such a mentor can also help by encouraging volunteers and affirming them in their work.

Recruiting and holding volunteers in the children's division is an all-year effort. Build a program that makes your volunteers proud. They'll tell others. Then when recruiting time comes, those who have worked with you will want to stay, and others will count it a privilege to join. 

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