When was the last time a notepad was passed around the room asking people to sign up for tasks or shifts for volunteer projects? Or how about a long e-mail thread with the same intent? Fortunately, online solutions offer a better way for organizations to help volunteers and volunteers to help organizations. Let’s look at two online solutions designed to take the hassle out of organizing, recruiting and reminding volunteers:

• SignUpGenius
• VolunteerSpot

I recently used SignUpGenius to help staff the popular inflatables at an upcoming church picnic. It was fast and easy to not only login via the SignUpGenius link sent by our group organizer but also to select my shift and reminders. My scheduled shift not only integrated into my iCal, but I also received a handy e-reminder.

SignUpGenius was created by Skylark Productions in Charlotte, NC. “to simplify and organize the various groups and communities” that need volunteers. Founded in 2008, SignUpGenius focuses their business on custom sign-up pages for any type of organization or group, for-profit or non-profit.

When I mentioned SignUpGenius to a friend and professional volunteer, she suggested I also check out VolunteerSpot. And I did! I learned that both online tools offer similar ways to easily organize, recruit and manage your valuable volunteers without incurring any expenses. Both programs make it easy for busy volunteers to get and stay plugged into your events and projects.

VolunteerSpot launched in 2009 to enable “ANYONE to quickly mobilize and coordinate volunteers in their community, congregation and social network.” Founded by Karen Bantuveris, a management consultant working-mom/Girl Scout leader /PTA volunteer, VolunteerSpot supports nonprofits with a variety of services including collecting money for teacher gifts, fundraising projects, t-shirts and trips.

It seems to me both SignUpGenius and VolunteerSpot have clearly created better ways to organize volunteers!

What affordable solutions are you utilizing to help manage volunteers more effectively?

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