Volunteers

In this segment from a recent Binky Patrol meeting, Area Coordinators who participated in the MrBallen Bink-a-Thon event share strategies for volunteer recruitment. Caitlin Peterson-Woolard discusses challenges with community outreach, while experienced coordinators Susan Finch, Terrie Madruga, Kathy Taylor, and Jeanne Malgioglio offer proven solutions including:
Leveraging church bulletins and service organizations
Engaging high school sports teams and clubs
Utilizing corporate volunteer programs
Maintaining relationships with past volunteers
Strategic use of social media and local publications
The discussion highlights immediate tactics and long-term relationship-building for expanding their volunteer base. We hope you find it helpful! So many ideas that only take a bit of time and digging for the best contacts.

Today is a short episode requesting you consider these requests:
Consider starting a local chapter - 2 - 100 people! Great way to build community and make friends. (info here)
Make binkies, aka blankets. We can send you the labels. (info here)
Host a Bink-A-Thon at your company or in your community - we'll give you all the stuff you need. (what's a bink-a-thon?)
Sponsor Binky Patrol - podcast, website, events - request a sponsor package. (info here) (request a package)

In this episode, Binky Patrol founder Susan Finch delivers a candid and passionate message about the importance of quality in our mission to comfort children through handmade blankets. Susan's 'tough love' approach tackles a growing concern: the influx of hastily-made fleece blankets that don't quite meet the mark.
Get ready for a mix of hands-on tips, heartfelt pleas, and a dash of humor as Susan guides us through the do's and don'ts of creating blankets that truly show care. Whether you're a long-time volunteer, a community service seeker, or just curious about how to make a difference, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
So, grab your scissors, settle in, and let's learn how to put our best stitch forward for the kids who need it most. It's time to tie up some loose ends – literally and figuratively – on 'All-Volunteer, All Heart.'"
Links from this episode:
https://binkypatrol.org/category/patterns/fleece-blanket-patterns/
https://binkypatrol.org
 

Volunteer time management is often overlooked as a value, as an asset. But it is the most valuable donation your organization receives. The dollars you receive are precious - are they being used most effectively? Tracking the time your staff and volunteers spend will help you see where you are getting the best outcomes and where you may be spinning your wheels. Listen to this short episode for some ideas about time and volunteers.

Today, we're diving into a topic that's close to our hearts: recognizing and appreciating the incredible volunteers who make our mission possible.
Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organizations, tirelessly giving their time, energy, and skills to make a difference in the lives of others. They are the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes, often without expecting anything in return. But as nonprofit leaders, it's our job to make sure they feel valued, appreciated, and supported every step of the way.
In this episode, we'll be sharing some creative and affordable ways to show your volunteers just how much they mean to you and your cause. From small tokens of appreciation like pins and stickers to heartfelt gestures like personalized thank-you notes and special events, we'll explore a variety of ideas to help you celebrate your volunteers and keep them motivated and engaged.
So grab a cozy blanket, settle in, and get ready to be inspired by the power of volunteer recognition. Together, we can create a culture of gratitude and support that will help our nonprofits thrive and make an even greater impact in the world.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. We are all in this together, working towards a common goal of making a difference in our communities. So, let's lift each other up, celebrate our successes, and show our volunteers just how much they are appreciated.
Here are some key suggestions for non-profits mentioned in the episode:
Recognize and thank volunteers through small gifts like pins, stickers, or patches. These can be ordered in bulk to last for years and distributed to volunteers at events or through chapters.
Apply for grants specifically aimed at volunteer recognition and support to cover the costs of items like pins, stickers, and T-shirts.
Partner with organizations like the Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts, who appreciate patches and can help spread awareness about your non-profit.
Use services like Vistaprint  or lynmar.com to order promotional materials such as brochures, banners, and postcards. Take advantage of coupons and sales to save on costs.
Create a store or online platform where chapters can easily order branded items for their volunteers.
Organize contests and challenges for chapter leaders and volunteers to engage them and reward participation with small prizes like fabric kits or branded items.
Encourage volunteers to wear and use branded items to promote your organization and make it easier for people to learn about your mission and how to get involved.
Plan and budget for volunteer recognition initiatives, as they are important for keeping volunteers motivated and committed to your cause long-term.
CopyRetry

Binky Patrol Director, Terrie Madruga joined Susan to talk about how easy it is to volunteer for Binky Patrol. From sewing on labels to taking phone calls to writing thank you notes. If you want to give us a bit of time, we have ideas to make it easy and fun! Join us for this short episode to support our chapter leaders and spark ideas in your heart.
Learn more ways to help at https://binkypatrol.org/ways-to-help/ . We hope to hear from you soon!

Looking for ways to build community in your workplace or neighborhood? In this week's fun and uplifting episode, we talk to Rebecca Heinen who used her passion for crocheting to connect with others across 36 states and counting. Rebecca shares how she started "A Stitch in Every State" to donate handmade crochet items to organizations in need and how it accidentally helped her form bonds at her new job. Tune in to hear Rebecca's creative ideas for starting conversations, from math puzzles to crocheted cat toys, as well as where she finds resources to fund her craft. Her story shows that a hobby like crocheting can make a big difference, stitch by stitch. So grab your yarn and join us for an inspiring chat about building community through crafting.
Links from this episode:
OwlBHooked Etsy
“Call the Midwife” Pattern (apparently, she wrote the pattern from the show!)
Chill Pill Pattern (one of Rebecca's go to for gifts/prizes at work) 
Rebecca Heinen on LinkedIn
Ear Savers

Susan invited Lori on to the show after the recent Bink-A-Thon in Thousand Oaks. Binky Patrol Director, Carolyn Berndt hosted her event at One Spark Academy and knew Lori has the same heart as Binky Patrol. This inspiring conversation delves into making positive change through education and understanding. Host Susan Finch speaks with Lori Peters, executive director of One Spark Academy, about supporting students through a difficult time and empowering them to create meaningful connections. Lori explains how her alternative learning program focuses on "finding that one spark" in each child and nurturing it through small class sizes, engaging electives like gardening and cooking, and daily "circle time" to practice communication skills. She shares the powerful story of two boys resolving a conflict after weeks of learning these techniques. Their journey illustrates how patience, empathy, and an openness to listen can work wonders. As Lori says, "By creating supportive spaces for young people to develop self-awareness and compassion, we plant the seeds for a more peaceful world."
About our guest:
Lori Peters is the founder of One Spark Academy. She wholeheartedly believes in the principles of teaching the whole child– meeting students’ academic, social, and emotional needs– and inspiring students to be healthy, balanced, and globally aware. In July 2011, after 16 years in public alternative education, Lori put her energy into helping students find their spark and enjoy learning with like-minded peers in a truly unique learning environment.
Links from this episode:
Binky Patrol
One Spark Academy

Volunteering gives us an opportunity to break the cycle of negativity and fear. We have the power to change lives! Caitlin Peterson is a legal professional by day, and a Binky Patrol chapter leader in the off-hours. She's been volunteering for ten years - she started when she was 16. Listen to this episode to be inspired to do good and outshine the negative through volunteerism.
 
Links from this episode:
Connect with Catilin:
Her chapter page: https://binkypatrol.org/page.cfm?name=va_peterson
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-peterson-woolard-44081a67/ 
Learn more about Binky Patrol:
https://binkypatrol.org
Connect with Susan Finch:
On LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/susanmfinch
Funnel Media Group: https://funnelmediagroupllc.com 

How to get more volunteers? It will depend on the opportunities you have. Sometimes you have to be flexible and creative. Binky Patrol is a great organization for younger volunteers because what we do is easy and fun with friends.
In the past, we've gained a lot of volunteers through annual events.  These events can include scouting troops, schools, and service organizations. You'll have to think about what creative idea can you create to allow volunteers of all ages to help. What a great way to build a long-lasting volunteer base that can grow up with your organization. I know we have volunteers that started as children over 20 years ago who find us after they have children to see how they can get involved again because of all of the great memories they have from when they were children. Listen to this 11 minute episode, "How to Get Big Groups of Kid Volunteers."