El proceso de reclutamiento asegura que las personas que muestran interés en el voluntariado sean guiadas eficientemente a través de un proceso de selección estructurado e inclusivo. Esto implica la solicitud, cribado, orientación y formación inicial en los Principios Fundamentales y el uso del emblema de la Cruz Roja y la Media Luna Roja, para asegurar que los voluntarios se alineen con los valores de la organización. El reclutamiento se lleva a cabo en línea o en persona, en las oficinas de la Cruz Roja y la Media Luna Roja, u otras vías identificadas, con los solicitantes evaluados según criterios preestablecidos, asegurando el cumplimiento de la diversidad, inclusión y otras políticas relevantes, incluidas las legislaciones gubernamentales relacionadas con el voluntariado. Los candidatos exitosos completan la formación obligatoria y son registrados oficialmente como voluntarios en la base de datos de voluntarios de la Sociedad Nacional, recibiendo la identificación y equipo necesario para sus roles deseados.
Reclutar
Recruiting the right volunteers starts with the right people leading the process. This section outlines the key roles—such as Recruitment Officers, Volunteer Coordinators, and Community Mobilizers—who are central to designing and delivering inclusive, effective recruitment efforts. It also highlights the core competencies these roles require: from community outreach and digital communication to interview techniques, equity and inclusion, and cultural awareness. Clearly defined roles and well-developed skills help ensure that recruitment is not only efficient, but also welcoming, values-based, and aligned with the strategic goals of the National Society.
Garantiza que el reclutamiento esté alineado con las políticas de diversidad e inclusión y elimina posibles sesgos del proceso de selección.
Competencias Clave
Cumplimiento de Políticas & Reclutamiento Ético – Comprensión de las políticas de diversidad, inclusión y protección para garantizar una selección justa.
Realiza sesiones de orientación y formación inicial sobre los Principios Fundamentales de la Cruz Roja, uso del emblema, historia y actividades organizativas.
Competencias Clave
Entrega de Formación & Orientación – Capacidad para ofrecer sesiones atractivas e informativas sobre los principios de la Cruz Roja, uso del emblema y roles de voluntariado.
Mantiene los registros de voluntarios, asegurando una inscripción precisa y el seguimiento de disponibilidad en la base de datos de la Sociedad Nacional.
Competencias Clave
Gestión de Datos & Alfabetización Digital – Competencia en el manejo de sistemas de registro en línea y mantenimiento de registros precisos de voluntarios.
Supervisa el sistema de aplicación en línea y asegura una gestión de datos fluida para el cribado y la selección.
Competencias Clave
Gestión de Datos & Alfabetización Digital – Competencia en el manejo de sistemas de registro en línea y en el mantenimiento de registros precisos de voluntarios.
Gestiona el proceso de reclutamiento, desde la revisión de solicitudes hasta el registro final de voluntarios.
Competencias Clave
Cribado & Selección – Capacidad para evaluar las solicitudes según criterios predefinidos y necesidades organizativas, garantizando la inclusión.
Habilidades Interpersonales & de Comunicación – Capacidad para interactuar con potenciales voluntarios, explicar el proceso de manera clara y atender consultas.
Cumplimiento de Políticas & Reclutamiento Ético – Comprensión de las políticas de diversidad, inclusión y protección para asegurar una selección justa.
Capacitación & Orientación – Capacidad para ofrecer sesiones atractivas e informativas sobre los principios de la Cruz Roja, el uso del emblema y los roles de voluntarios.
Effective volunteer recruitment is grounded in strong governance. This section explores how strategic documents—such as the National Society’s statutes, volunteer policy, and organizational strategy—can provide clear direction and legitimacy for volunteer engagement efforts. Governance frameworks that prioritize inclusive recruitment, uphold volunteer rights, and define roles and responsibilities help create a trusted and consistent foundation for outreach. When recruitment practices are embedded in official policies and supported by leadership, they not only attract more volunteers but also build confidence and continuity across the organization.
This working paper is a collective effort of a diverse group of professionals and volunteers to pull together the most salient issues in care and support for spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers. The hope is that the knowledge, thought leadership, practical tools, case examples and recommendations collected here will contribute to supporting both crisis managers, policy makers and practitioners to provide good care and support for spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers.
The single most important point made in this working paper is that it is imperative that crisis management fulfils its duty of care towards spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers. What this looks like in practice will differ significantly from one organization to another, from country to country and from community to community. But the spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers are always there. The care and support they need must be there too
Volunteering and HR policies
Volunteer regulations
Diversity and inclusion policy
IT and data policy
Quality data is essential for understanding, planning, and improving volunteer recruitment efforts. This section highlights how National Societies can use data to identify recruitment needs, track outreach effectiveness, and ensure diversity and inclusion in their volunteer base. Collecting and analyzing data on volunteer demographics, recruitment channels, application trends, and onboarding success rates enables evidence-based decision-making. When used responsibly, data not only helps refine recruitment strategies—it also supports transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in how volunteers are welcomed into the organization.
Digital tools and technologies are powerful enablers of modern, efficient volunteer recruitment. This section showcases platforms and systems that support every stage of the process—from promoting opportunities and collecting applications to tracking engagement and communicating with candidates. Whether through volunteer management software, mobile apps, CRM systems, or social media tools, technology helps National Societies streamline operations, broaden their reach, and provide a smooth and responsive experience for prospective volunteers. Using the right tools not only saves time—it also demonstrates professionalism and builds trust with new recruits.
The International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), along with the Spanish, French, and Kenya Red Cross Societies, is transforming how we manage volunteer data globally with our Volunteer Data Management System (VDMS). This system streamlines volunteer operations, helping us better serve communities in need.
VDMS simplifies the management of volunteer onboarding, engagement, accreditation, and insurance processes. It saves time, improves the volunteer experience, and supports quick decision-making. With tools for event registration, mass communication via email, SMS, and WhatsApp, as well as advanced reporting features, VDMS enhances volunteer coordination and ensures we meet the needs of both volunteers and communities.
Key features
Volunteer Registration and Data Management
- Create and manage forms for new volunteer registrations.
- Generate reports and segment volunteer data for targeted engagement.
- Configure roles and data visibility for structured access.
Volunteer Activity and Training Management
- Register for activities and trainings to boost participation and development.
- Track volunteer hours for recognition and accountability.
- Manage leave requests accurately.
Private Area for Volunteer Interaction
- Update personal data, register for events, and track participation.
- Download certificates and manage personal settings.
Enhanced Communication Tools
- Mass mailing, SMS, and WhatsApp integration for efficient communication. (Messages fees may apply).
- Features like email templates, A/B testing, and scheduled mailings.
Comprehensive Reporting and Analysis
- Create detailed reports in various formats.
- Export data for further analysis and automate report delivery.
The physical environment and materials available during the recruitment process play a vital role in shaping how potential volunteers experience the National Society. This section highlights the importance of having accessible, welcoming spaces for recruitment events, interviews, and orientation sessions. It also includes essential equipment such as signage, information booths, printed materials, and branded apparel that can help communicate professionalism and belonging. By investing in the right facilities and resources, National Societies create a positive, inclusive atmosphere that encourages new volunteers to get involved and stay engaged.
Computers
Internet
Training room/facility
No Guidance enabling resources available.