Recruiting DAP Volunteers

Building Your Volunteer Team

You can't run an effective DAP program alone. Building a team of committed volunteers multiplies your impact and ensures the program's sustainability. Effective recruitment starts with understanding what motivates volunteers and matching people to roles they'll enjoy.

Who Makes a Good DAP Volunteer?

Look for lodge members who:

• Care about young people: Parents, grandparents, former teachers, coaches
• Have relevant experience: Education, healthcare, law enforcement, social work
• Are reliable: Will show up when committed
• Can communicate: Comfortable speaking with students, parents, or community members
• Have flexible schedules: Retired members often have daytime availability for school visits

Don't overlook newer members, younger members, or those without professional experience. Enthusiasm and commitment matter more than credentials.

Volunteer Roles to Fill

Not everyone needs to be a presenter. Consider these roles:

Presenters

Deliver classroom or assembly presentations. Requires comfort with public speaking and working with students.

Presentation Assistants

Support presenters by handling materials, managing technology, and engaging with students. Good entry point for those building confidence.

Event Coordinators

Plan and execute community events, health fair booths, and lodge activities. Requires organizational skills.

Materials Manager

Tracks inventory, orders supplies, and ensures materials are prepared for each activity.

CLMS Reporter

Helps track and enter activities into the CLMS system. Good for detail-oriented volunteers.

School Liaisons

Maintain relationships with specific schools. Ideal for members with existing school connections.

Recruitment Approaches

Personal Invitations

The most effective recruitment is personal. Identify potential volunteers and invite them individually. Explain why you think they'd be great for the role.

Lodge Presentations

Give brief presentations at lodge meetings about DAP activities and volunteer opportunities. Show the impact and make a direct ask.

Written Appeals

Include DAP volunteer opportunities in lodge newsletters, emails, and bulletin boards. Follow up with personal contact.

Bring-a-Friend

Ask current volunteers to invite fellow members to join them at activities. Seeing DAP in action inspires participation.

Making the Ask

When inviting someone to volunteer:

• Be specific: Ask for a particular role, not just "help with DAP"
• Explain the commitment: Be honest about time requirements
• Highlight the impact: Share stories of students reached and lives affected
• Address concerns: Training is provided, you don't need to be an expert, etc.
• Make it easy to say yes: "Can you join us for one school visit to see what it's like?"

Overcoming Objections

"I don't know enough about drugs." Training is provided. You don't need to be an expert—you need to care.

"I'm not comfortable speaking to groups." Start as an assistant. Many roles don't require presenting.

"I don't have time." Many activities are just a few hours. Find a level of commitment that works.

"I'm too old/young." We need diverse perspectives. All ages connect with students in different ways.

Keeping Recruitment Ongoing

Recruitment isn't a one-time event. Continuously look for new volunteers:

• Welcome new lodge members personally and mention DAP
• Invite members to observe activities before committing
• Celebrate volunteer contributions publicly to inspire others
• Build a reputation as a rewarding volunteer experience