Behind the Scenes: What It’s Like Recruiting Volunteers

Behind every volunteer project on the HandsOn San Diego volunteer opportunity calendar is planning, review, and coordination. As the volunteer center for San Diego County, HandsOn San Diego works behind the scenes to connect individuals and groups with nonprofit organizations that rely on volunteers to accomplish their mission.

Volunteer recruitment begins with our nonprofit partners. Before an organization can post opportunities, it must complete the HandsOn San Diego partnership process. Eligible partners include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and schools located in San Diego County that meet insurance and non-discrimination requirements. Once approved, partners submit project details to our team for review.

Whether it is a one-day park cleanup, an ongoing food distribution, or a seasonal event, partners provide information about volunteer responsibilities, schedules, and goals. Our team reviews each submission to ensure that the opportunity is aligned with our focus on direct community impact and a positive volunteer experience. This information helps volunteers understand what to expect before they sign up and helps partners prepare for a successful project.

Once a project is confirmed, it is added to the volunteer opportunity calendar. The calendar is the easiest  way for volunteers to search for opportunities based on their availability, location, age, and the causes they are passionate about. All approved opportunities are posted to the calendar, and additional promotion through newsletters and social media may take place depending on team capacity and scheduling priorities. Our goal is to offer a range of one-time and ongoing opportunities so volunteers can find options that fit their busy schedules.

Behind the scenes, our staff and Volunteer Leaders also support coordination before and during projects. This includes answering questions, confirming logistics, and communicating updates when needed. These steps help create a consistent experience for volunteers and ensure nonprofit partners receive the support they need.

HandsOn San Diego strengthens communities through volunteer action. Each registration represents someone choosing to invest their time and talent in San Diego. By maintaining an up-to-date volunteer calendar and working with our nonprofit partners, HandsOn San Diego helps activate volunteers and supports organizations across the county.