Why Non-Profit Volunteers Should Carry Business Cards

You know that business people need to have and use business cards, but I think non-profit volunteers should do the same.

If you’re enthused about the work you do for your cause, and you’d like others to either donate or join as a volunteer, keep cards handy to give out when you’re talking to new people – or even to old friends who might be interested in helping. You’ll show your pride in the organization, and stand a far better chance of having your contact information remembered later.

After all, those little scraps of paper you find to jot down a number are lost or mistaken for trash far too often.

How many times have you written a name and number on the back of your shopping list and forgotten it was there when you tossed the list? Or even found a name and number and wondered who it was and why you had it. Even worse – you find just the number and have no recollection of why you have it. Those things happen when people jot down numbers while standing in a grocery store aisle!

In addition to convenience and efficiency, business cards convey the impression that yours is a well-run, professional organization.

I suggest that the phone number and address of the organization, rather than your own number, be printed on the cards. However, with approval of your board, you may want to include both, so individuals can call you with questions. If you hold an office, include your title after your name, otherwise just say “Suzie Smith, Volunteer.” 

In addition to the organization’s name and contact information, include a brief tag line that summarizes the organization’s mission. That will help the person who looks at your card next week remember why he or she was interested in becoming involved with your group.

These cards don’t need to be fancy, only informative. Stores such as Staples offer very inexpensive printing, and you can also get card stock and print them on your own computer as you need them.