Multimedia Volunteer Outreach | Marketing Practices

Recruiting student volunteers requires deliberate outreach. Without consideration, students may feel used or powerless because of the experience. However, thoughtful practices recruit student volunteers who are more eager and helpful.

DOs & DON’Ts 

  • DO be transparent.
  • DO make students aware of their rights.
  • DO intentionally make your outreach inclusive.
  • DON’T target students to create visual diversity.

Before Performing Outreach

1. Identify & cultivate recruitment channels

Volunteer recruitment should mostly be relationship management, with occasional requests for participation. It is easier to recruit volunteers when you have maintained open channels to student groups, offices serving students and an existing volunteer list.

Just as importantly, open channels allow students to provide feedback, to stay informed of their rights, and to control their own representation.

CONNECTION | Practice intentional inclusion in your outreach. To learn more, see Intentional Inclusion.

2. Determine the scope of your project

Establish the details of your photo or video shoot (length, location, activities, etc.). As much as possible, outreach materials should include concrete expectations.

Student Volunteer Outreach

1. Direct outreach

Attend the meeting of a student group. Be clear about expectations and usage. Do not require students to sign up in the moment but instead provide business cards or forms.

CONNECTION | For information on non-coercive communications, see Approaching Students and Student Groups.

2. Print & digital marketing

All materials should be displayed at least two weeks prior to a photo or video shoot. Print materials should indicate the following.

  • Dates, times and contact information.
  • Purpose of the photography/videography.
    For example, “Your image will be used on social media to promote Boxer Club.”
  • Type and amount of compensation.
    For example, “Every model will receive a free T-shirt as a thank you!”

3. Student Ambassadors

Reach out to student leaders that represent student groups. Ask them to communicate either to a group directly or through other channels, like social media.

DO NOT | Refrain from directly asking a student leader to volunteer, and do not ask for a set quantity of volunteers from that student group (e.g., “Steven, will you find three students from the Hispanic Heritage Student Association to volunteer?”).

TEMPLATE | Email

The Office of Marketing & Communications is looking for student volunteers to participate as models in a photo or video shoot. I know that you are involved with [Student Group], and I would appreciate it if you could share the details with members. No one is expected to participate and no one has to participate, but I would love to involve members of [Student Group] now or at another time. Thank you!

[Photo/video shoot details]

The images will be used in [social media, print advertisements, etc.].

Volunteers will receive [a gift card / Pacific swag].

4. Mailing lists

Maintain the relationships that you develop during a volunteer recruitment campaign. Create a mailing list of past volunteers and reach out when recruiting for a new photo or video shoot. As with any mailing list, do not spam or abuse your recipients.

TEMPLATE | Email

The Office of Marketing & Communications is looking for student volunteers to participate as models in a photo shoot. Respond to this email if you are interested.

[Photo or video shoot details]

The images will be used in [social media, print advertisements, etc.].

Volunteers will receive [a gift card / some cool Pacific swag].