BLUE CREW: How do we find our volunteers?

by Matty Smith, Regional Field Organizer

One Iowa field director Matt Skuya brought volunteers and staff together this week for the Blue Crew’s first In-Person Volunteer Recruitment training. But wait a minute…what the heck is In-Person Volunteer Recruitment?

In-Person Volunteer Recruitment, or IPVR, is a technique used to build up a new volunteer base within specific areas, such as Des Moines, Iowa City, or other locations throughout the state. We'll be doing a second training April 28 for anyone who's interested in learning more.

Here's how it works.
Volunteers go to events where there are likely One Iowa supporters, such as a farmers market or a play, and asking passersby a simple question:

“Do you support the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples?”

This is what we refer to as a “stopper line.” In a busy public setting like a farmer’s market, this question gets people to stop and talk to you about the issue and why it’s important to them.

Matt emphasized during the Blue Crew training that IPVR can be a great way to build a personal connection with potential supporters. Once we get them to stop and have a conversation with us, the ultimate goal is getting people motivated enough to come in and volunteer.

There are many advantages to doing IPVR, first and foremost is building a personal connection with someone. And we find people doing IPVR we'd probably wouldn't find otherwise. Thanks to all our Blue Crew volunteers who joined us this week for our IPVR training. We already have shifts filling up fast for special events coming up in the Des Moines area—but we’re always looking for more people to help out.

If you are interested in volunteering with us, learning more about IPVR or more about One Iowa in general, please email matty@oneiowa.org.