Helping Hands
How to Find Patterners and Volunteers for your Doman Method™ Program
One of the most challenging parts of starting a Doman Method™ program can be finding helpers. Knowing that you have reliable and consistent volunteers helps to put your mind at ease, and allows your child to get a full program. So, what are the best ways to find volunteers? Here are our top recommendations:
Before looking for volunteers, be clear on your requirements: before asking for help, make sure you know exactly what you need help with, how much time that is going to take for the volunteer, and what days you need help.
In addition, ask yourself: “Who is my ideal volunteer?” You need to make sure that you and your child feel comfortable around that person. For example, it doesn’t make sense to have someone come who maybe doesn’t like kids so much. Right? So, put down in writing who your ideal volunteer is and use that language when crafting your social media posts, sign up forms, posters, etc. Don’t worry that some people might decide not to help -- it may be fewer people, but they are going to be people you’ll love to work with.
This website gives some great ideas on how to craft your ask: https://www.causevox.com/blog/nonprofit-volunteer-management/
Create a Facebook or Social Media page for your child: This is a great way for everyone to know how your child is doing, and what help you need. Once you have your group of volunteers, it’s a way for them to see how much of an impact they are making in the life of your child. If your child is making changes and progressing, it will keep them motivated to stay part of the mission. And, when you are in a pinch, having a social media page to ask for volunteers is a great way to get the word out.
Go to your local religious organization: In many faiths, helping your neighbor is paramount. And if you need help, you shouldn’t be too proud to contact your local religious organization and ask for help. Even if you are not part of that community, start posting signs in the common areas, or schedule a meeting with the office manager or meet with the priest, minister, rabbi, imam, whoever! Religious institutions often have many volunteers who find meaning in helping others who need it. Be prepared to discuss your child’s history and journey and be clear with exactly what you need.
Go to your local Red Cross office(s): The Red Cross has many volunteer opportunities and this is a great way to find people to help. You’ll want to schedule a meeting or drop by the office and speak with the manager. If they agree, they can help to find volunteers.
Go to your local high schools or university campus: Many high schools and some universities (at least in the US) have some kind of community service requirement that is needed for seniors to graduate. And, many high school students are looking for extracurriculars or volunteer opportunities for the university application process. Make an appointment with the school’s administrative office and see if there are good prospects for volunteers. If reaching out to universities, ask if there are students in the areas of physical therapy, early childhood or special education, etc. that would like to lend a hand. You might be doing the students a favor!
Reach out to local sports clubs: follow all the same steps as above, but every community has at least a few of these!
Post flyers around your neighborhood: Go to local community centers, YMCAs, grocery stores, churches, cafes, play areas, schools, indoor gyms, etc. and post flyers saying you are looking for volunteers. Make sure that you are clear on exactly what you need, how it will help your child, and more importantly how it will benefit that potential volunteer.
Reach out online: there are plenty of different platforms (not just social media) to ask for volunteers. Please be mindful and you want to make sure that you meet the person, interview them a bit, and make sure that they are the right fit. It’s an added step, but vitally important. Here are all the different possibilities for listing online:
Facebook groups (putting calls for volunteers on your child’s page, but also reaching out in local community, home schooling, and/or parenting groups)
Craigslist
Charityvillage.com or GetInvolved.com (for Americans and Canadians)
Community Websites
And more!
Remember, the opportunity to help your child is not only beneficial for you but for your future volunteers as well! This is a chance for them to make a difference in the life of a child. Making sure that this message is conveyed makes helping your family a win-win situation. When you do have help, make sure that they feel a part of your team. Consider a WhatsApp group for your helpers where you send “thank you” messages and videos of your child’s progress. Post these things online and tag them on posts thanking them! Some families will give special gifts at the holidays, certificates, and more. In the end, the pleasure and meaning they get in life from helping your child will be absolutely priceless.