Imagine dropping a pebble into a calm lake and watching the concentric rings expand out from the splash. This visual represents the central concept of concentric circle recruitment.
This model follows a basic line of reasoning: Who better to recruit as a volunteer than people who are already connected to you via some other relation. To visualize this model, draw a set of circles ever increasing in size. Start by labeling the middle with your name, moving outwards, begin labeling
All an organizer has to do is move out in concentric circles through an existing framework of family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances.
This type of recruitment requires you to identify and contact people who already are in direct or indirect contact with your organization. These might be clients or friends and family members of your clients, former members of your organization, friends of current staff, or those who have been impacted by the problem your group was created to address. It is more likely that you will succeed in persuading these people to volunteer than complete strangers.
Example: If you are an organizer who is choosing to host a Concurs at your local school and are in need of a great master of ceremonies, consult your circles of people you know have a great background in public speaking. This will avoid holding open auditions where you may not find the people you need.
Another example: If you and your fellow volunteers are putting together a day camp that will introduce children to fine arts from France. Instead of advertising for volunteers and taking the time to interview each volunteer, verify their references, and possibly end up with someone who is either not engaging or is not good at communicating with children. Try instead to find people from within your network that you know are great art teachers or are history aficionados