RSVP Know-How: Using Craigslist to Recruit Volunteers

Web-based volunteer recruitment is an effective, fast, and low or no-cost way to find volunteers. It can be an excellent way to supplement existing recruitment by reaching new audiences, including baby boomers and professionals who are accustomed to web-based job searches.

Craigslist, a portal for job searches and apartment hunts, is also a rich source of community-based offerings, including events, activities, classes, and volunteer opportunities.

How to Post a Volunteer Opportunity on Craigslist

1. Create a title and compose a brief narrative that describes what you’re looking for, such as:

2. Visit www.craigslist.org, and click on "volunteers" under the Community heading.

3. Click post in the top right corner.
   
4. Select the category volunteers.
5. Unless you choose to narrow your search to a specific neighborhood, select bypass this step.
   
6. Cut and paste your title and text into the space provided (you need not specify a location).
7. Enter your email address.
8. Consider adding a photo if it will help your audience realize what they will get out of the experience.
   
9. Select the reply method you prefer.
10. Click on continue and your posting will appear.
11. If all looks good, type in the verification word (case sensitive), then select continue.
12. Read and click on accept the terms of use.
13. When you receive an email from Craigslist (subject: Post/Edit/Delete), use the links to acces your posting “just as it will look on-line.”
14. If all is as you like, click on post, and you’re done. If not, click on edit and follow the prompts.

CONGRATULATIONS on your successful posting. Questions or in need of spoken help, call us at 415-731-3335.