Volunteer retention is an area of active focus for the City of Detroit Medical Reserve Corps (MI). As part of its retention efforts, the unit sends a quarterly newsletter to volunteers. This effort has received a very positive response.
The newsletter recognizes and shows appreciation for volunteers while also sharing public health information, unit updates, and educational information related to unit mission areas. To garner engagement, each issue also includes a poll question with a QR code to collect responses. Poll results are shared in the next issue of the newsletter.
MRC Unit Leader Melissa Saffold uses Canva to format each newsletter. When ready to publish, Saffold uses the Michigan Volunteer Registry to send out an email message which includes relevant reminders and a link to the newsletter.
Click here to see an example issue of the newsletter.
Also with an eye to retention, Saffold surveyed the unit’s approximately 200 volunteers to gauge volunteer interest areas and scheduling preferences. In addition to the survey, Saffold encourages volunteers to let her know what trainings they would be interested in.
Several of the unit’s recent trainings have been in partnership with city agencies. The unit conducted an active shooter training with the Detroit Police Department that focused on civilian response. The training shared what to do when you’re on-site and tied activities in with Stop the Bleed. The unit also participated in a demonstration with the Detroit Fire Department where volunteers went through a fire simulation to practice evacuation from a fire.
In addition to its retention efforts, the unit is also focusing on recruiting non-medical volunteers. It is working to broaden the unit’s brand to help people understand that the City of Detroit MRC is not just for those in medical fields.
“We’re focusing on helping people understand there’s a place for them in the MRC,” said Safford.
The unit has found the Detroit Public Library to be very welcoming and has also participated in senior expos as part of its recruitment.
Outside of these efforts, recent missions for unit volunteers have included medical support for the NFL draft and a World First Aid Day activity. During the NFL draft, 10 volunteers staffed duty stations, were on call for medical assistance, and provided support with emergencies that involved ambulance response.
For World First Aid Day on September 14, volunteers assembled and distributed first aid kits, including one provided to each volunteer.
“We saw an immediate impact on the community,” said Saffold.
