Across South Australia, Friends of Parks and Nature groups play a vital role in caring for our environment. From restoring habitats to monitoring wildlife, volunteers help ensure our parks, reserves, and natural spaces remain thriving and beautiful. But like any volunteer-based organisation, growing and retaining members can be a challenge!
If your group is looking to attract more volunteers, here are some simple ways to make your activities more engaging and appealing to new members.
1. Shift the narrative: Show the bigger picture
One of the biggest challenges for volunteer groups is how they talk about their activities.
Take weeding, for example. Instead of promoting an event as “weeding within a park,” consider highlighting the impact: “Help clear space for endangered bandicoots to thrive” or “Join us in restoring habitat for native wildflowers and pollinators”
Framing activities in terms of their purpose and positive outcomes makes them much more attractive to potential volunteers. People are more likely to join when they understand the bigger picture.
2. Highlight what’s in it for volunteers
While people love to give back, they also want to know what they’ll get out of an experience. Make sure you communicate the personal benefits of volunteering, such as:
- Learning new skills (e.g. wildlife monitoring, native plant identification)
- Connecting with like-minded people
- Spending time outdoors in beautiful parks
- Making a real impact on conservation
A simple shift from “Come help with weed removal” to “Spend a morning in nature, learn about native plants, and help create a better home for wildlife” can make all the difference
3. Make it easy to join
Sometimes, people want to get involved but aren’t sure how. Ensure your group has:
- Clear, simple instructions on how to get involved listed on the Friends of Parks and Nature website. Many groups have been listed on this page for a number of years, so it may be time to update old content.
- A friendly point of contact for questions (a phone number or email)
- Flexible options—not everyone can commit to regular sessions, so consider occasional events for new members to try
4. Use Social Media to tell stories
Photos, short videos, and personal stories can help potential volunteers see what your group is about. Instead of just posting event details, try sharing:
- A volunteer’s story— “Why I joined and what I love about it”
- Before-and-after photos of habitat restoration projects
- A highlight reel of the wildlife benefiting from your work
- Consider using free graphic design tools – they’re easy to use and look professional! (just search in Google for a variety of tools).
- Don’t forget to tag Friends of Parks and Nature on Facebook so we can share your stories!
Engaging visuals and storytelling can make people feel more connected before they even step foot in a park.
5. Run a special “Bring a Friend” event
Encourage your current volunteers to invite a friend, family member, or colleague to an event. Offer clear and easy, engaging activity (like a wildlife walk or a tree planting event) can be a great way to introduce new people to your group
6. Celebrate your impact
Finally, don’t forget to show appreciation and celebrate your achievements! A simple thank-you event, social media shout-outs, or updates on progress (e.g. “Thanks to our volunteers, 500 native seedlings were planted this year!”) can boost motivation and keep people engaged.
Ready to grow your group?
Attracting new members takes a little creativity, but by reframing activities, highlighting the benefits, and making it easy to get involved, your group can continue to thrive.
