{"id":2507,"date":"2025-11-26T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/blog\/\/goldenvolunteer.com\/?p=2507"},"modified":"2026-02-18T21:20:44","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T21:20:44","slug":"stop-rejecting-volunteers-start-redirecting-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goldenvolunteer.com\/blog\/stop-rejecting-volunteers-start-redirecting-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Stop Rejecting Volunteers. Start Redirecting Them."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Redirection?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s get one thing straight: in the world of volunteer engagement, the word \u201crejection\u201d has got to go. It sounds harsh, it ends relationships, and it makes folks feel like they just got voted off the island. And no, even saying it \u201cinternally\u201d to a colleague or manager does not make it better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the world of volunteer engagement, language shapes culture. So let\u2019s use language that builds relationships instead of burning bridges. Because at the end of the day, you are not rejecting volunteer candidates. You are <em>redirecting <\/em>them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Redirection communicates helpfulness, preserves dignity, and keeps the door open for future connection. It is the opposite of \u201cthanks but no thanks.\u201d It signals \u201cI care enough to find a better fit.\u201d That is authentic volunteer stewardship in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenvolunteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-21-at-9.14.42-AM-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"team of volunteers shaking hands\" class=\"wp-image-2508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenvolunteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-21-at-9.14.42-AM-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/goldenvolunteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-21-at-9.14.42-AM-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/goldenvolunteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-21-at-9.14.42-AM-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/goldenvolunteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-21-at-9.14.42-AM-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/goldenvolunteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-21-at-9.14.42-AM.webp 1644w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And since we are here, please remember: <strong>volunteering is not a \u201cmake work\u201d project<\/strong>. Our organizations do not exist to help volunteers feel good about themselves. We exist to center the needs, dignity, and decisions of the communities we serve. Treating volunteers like saviors only fuels performative action and reinforces systemic inequities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>So, What Do We Do Instead?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We need to have courageous conversations with colleagues who want to bring or keep volunteers on the team. This is often because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They like the individual<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They don\u2019t want to hurt anyone\u2019s feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The individual is an important donor, or related to one<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The individual has a network that is or could be beneficial to the organization<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Or, some combination of the above<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We can also use strengths-based messaging to support redirection. Strengths-based messaging represents people accurately and positively. It moves away from deficit-focused language toward narratives that highlight what people already bring to the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Redirection is not a consolation prize. When done ethically and intentionally it encourages volunteers or volunteer candidates to consider community involvement in an unexpected way, that centers the communities served. Ideally, it also aligns with the organizational mission and volunteer motivations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-goldenpress-intro-text intro-text-block\"><div class=\"intro-text-content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Susan Scott\u2019s work on <a href=\"https:\/\/fierceinc.com\/fierce-conversations\/\">Fierce Conversations<\/a> (if you haven\u2019t already watched her TED Talk: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=oVKaXUB4EFg\">The Case for Radical Transparency<\/a>) can help you build skills in this area.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where Can We Redirect to?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first place to consider is within your organization, this can be to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Another volunteer role<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A shared volunteer role<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An education opportunity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A service recipient opportunity&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An advocacy petition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Third-party fundraising<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connection on social media platforms or through a newsletter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another place to redirect folks to is outside your organization. I was first encouraged to do this after reading Meridian Swift\u2019s work on <a href=\"https:\/\/volunteerplaintalk.medium.com\/sustainability-and-volunteerism-c70b98b4417a\">Sustainability and Volunteerism<\/a>. Now, I recommend that volunteer engagement professionals join a movement to shift from the mindset of \u201chow do I get as many volunteers as I can and keep them for as long as possible?\u201d to \u201chow can I motivate people to care for the mission and community we serve in a way that works for them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And, this is where it\u2019s important to listen with intent, and learn a volunteer or candidate\u2019s motivations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For folks who are motivated by the impact of your organization&#8217;s mission, refer them to partners doing similar work!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For folks motivated by community connection (like those wanting to meet new people), refer them to the local volunteer center or other volunteer engagement professionals in your local network.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For folks motivated by skill building (like those wanting to learn a CRM), refer them to service learning opportunities if they are a post secondary student, or free online courses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Benefits of Successful Redirection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whenever you show genuine care through redirection, the people being redirected are more likely to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>See the value of your organization\u2019s work and the dignity of the community served<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refer their friends and family to volunteer, donate, and support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Come back in the future when life, timing, or capacity shifts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Redirection is not about controlling volunteer supply. It is about motivating people to care for the mission in ways that actually work for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Redirection Across the Volunteer Engagement Cycle<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Redirection in Planning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Redirection should not be a one off moment. We can plan for redirection by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Creating policies that set healthy boundaries (maximum roles, maximum hours)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Training staff on how to redirect with empathy and clarity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Writing email templates and phone scripts that guide the conversation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Having clear pathways for involvement both inside and outside the organization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With these things in place, you\u2019ll have redirection processes that support real stewardship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Redirection in Recruitment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you read <a href=\"https:\/\/www.learnwithjpp.com\/post\/bridging-formal-and-informal-volunteerism-an-interview-with-brianna-stapleton-welch\">my conversation with Brianna Stapleton Welch<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/littlefreelibrary.org\/\">Little Free Library<\/a>, you already know: youth groups often want to build a new book sharing box. But does every community need a brand new book sharing box? No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the Little Free Library Team receives these inquiries from Scouting groups about building new book sharing boxes, they encourage young people to research their local context and think critically about book access. Redirection might look like repairing an existing book sharing box or organizing a book drive. It still engages their energy and passion, but in a way that <em>actually <\/em>serves the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Think about ways you can incorporate redirection into your organization&#8217;s current volunteer recruitment processes. This could include being more transparent about challenges volunteers may face on your website, so that folks have a chance to digest that information before completing a form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Redirection in Screening and Placement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At many health charities, peer support programming is available to folks who are newly diagnosed or navigating new health challenges. The nature of peer support means that volunteering is done by individuals living with the illness themselves.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A thoughtful interview question might be: \u201cThis role can be emotionally challenging. What supports do you have in place right now?\u201d The interviewer could use the response to determine whether the candidate has a support system (family, workplace EAP, community networks).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If not, this is where redirection becomes ethical care. The candidate could be connected with organizational resources, rather than placed into a volunteer role that causes stress. Taking this approach means you\u2019re stewarding the wellbeing of both the volunteer and the people receiving support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Redirection in Recognition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recognizing volunteers through redirection does not always mean giving someone a team lead title or asking them to mentor new folks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, try asking volunteers to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Help update job aids or role descriptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Share tips or stories at an upcoming orientation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide feedback from the front lines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recognition can be about influence, not hierarchy. And always make room for \u201cno.\u201d Consent matters in recognition too, and some people like to keep doing what they\u2019re doing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Want To Go Deeper?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to center community in more of your volunteer engagement practice, start here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"http:\/\/connectingthecause.com\">ConnectingTheCause.com<br><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/communitycentricfundraising.org\">CommunityCentricFundraising.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Be bold. Be creative. Look beyond risk and focus on stewardship<\/strong>. Ethical redirection is not just nice to have. It is a core skill for all volunteer engagement professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And once you stop rejecting and start redirecting, your organization&#8217;s culture of volunteerism will start to shift in the best possible way!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why Redirection?&nbsp; Let\u2019s get one thing straight: in the world of volunteer engagement, the word \u201crejection\u201d has got to go. It sounds harsh, it ends relationships, and it makes folks feel like they just got voted off the island. And no, even saying it \u201cinternally\u201d to a colleague or manager does not make it better. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2353,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_custom_author":"2509","footnotes":""},"categories":[28,26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2507","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-volunteer-engagement","category-volunteer-management"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Stop Rejecting Volunteers. 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