Does the prospect of recruiting volunteer help make you shudder? Sometimes it almost seems easier to handle the task yourself instead of trying to find someone else to do it. However, that line of thinking may be unfair to two people—you, and the person who never is asked to do the job. If you take on too many extra duties, you will soon feel overburdened, perhaps even resentful. Moreover, if you do not ask that other person, he may be missing a valuable opportunity to serve.

Finding and keeping satisfied volunteers does not have to be an impossible task. Here are three simple guidelines to make the recruiting job easier:

1. Match the worker's abilities to the job
2. Be honest and keep your promises
3. Give appropriate orientation or training

If you approach prospective volunteers sincerely and enthusiastically, keeping these guidelines in mind, you should have some positive responses.

1. Match the worker's abilities to the job

Let them know that you sincerely appreciate their abilities and have ...