How to Recruit More Volunteers (and Keep Them Coming Back!)

Struggling to get enough hands to help out with your booster club?  You’re not alone. In this solo episode, host Robin Eissler tackles one of the biggest challenges Booster Clubs face: volunteer recruitment. Discover a practical, tested system that goes beyond just sending sign-up emails—because getting people to help isn't just about asking; it's about connecting. Robin introduces the I-CHAT framework—a five-step volunteer recruitment strategy that’s already helping booster clubs around the country grow their volunteer base and strengthen their community. If you’re tired of doing it all alone, this episode is for you! Key Takeaways 1:02 Why volunteer burnout is so common and how to set better expectations 2:52 The 5-part “I-CHAT” method to build a reliable volunteer base I – Introduction: How to raise awareness of your Booster Club (2:52) C – Contact: Why contact info is your most powerful tool (4:30) H – Hype: Create emotional buy-in beyond “we need help” (5:45) A – Ask: The 3-layered approach to making the right ask at the right time (7:08) T – Thank you: Turning volunteers into future leaders (10:57) 15:28 The danger of the “Debbie Do Everything” syndrome 14:20 How to avoid cliques and create a welcoming culture for new volunteers  17:14 Build a culture of 100% participation and track it publicly  13:04 Why transparency in roles and time commitment breaks down barriers 16:54 Letting things fall through the cracks—on purpose—to spark change