Recruiting-volunteers
Getting others involved in litter picking
There are all sorts of ways to find new members who want to join you. Here are our top-tips and if you have any of your own, let us know!
Join our website!
Create a group profile on our website and let people know all about your group and how to get in touch if they're interested in joining you.
Social Media
Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are great ways to get people involved.
- Share the success of your litter pick by posting before and after pictures.
- Let people know that anyone who wants to join is welcome.
- Share whether or not equipment is provided.
- Provide potential volunteers with all of the information they need to get stuck in including dates, times, where to meet, what’s provided and what they need to bring if anything.
Local news and media
Local press and online neighbourhood forums can be fantastic ways to spread the word about litter picking. Check out to see if your local area is on Nextdoor, if there's a neighbourhood WhatsApp group or if your council or parish council has a local information network that you can promote through.
Local volunteer centres
Local volunteer centres like the Council for Voluntary Service help local organisations find support and offer advice, training and networking. Check our NAVCA for further information.
Working in partnership
Working in partnership is a great way to get your activities noticed by a wider group of people. Local organisations such as those listed below would be more than happy to hear from you.
- Women’s Institute
- Townswomen’s Guild
- Civic Society
- Britain in Bloom
- Park Friends Groups
- Wildlife Groups
- Residents Associations
- Neighbourhood Watch
Remember!
Take the opportunity of speaking to passers-by when you are out litter-picking. You might be surprised how many people come on board just because of your example and the difference you make.
Other ways to get people involved
- Posters are a great tool to engage people locally. Put them up in local community spaces such as supermarkets, libraries, notice boards, and faith-based buildings.
- Engage local businesses. Businesses are increasingly keen to offer their employees time for CSR (corporate social responsibility) activities. If you organise a litter pick for them, they may offer a donation.
- Faith-based communities are often involved in community activities and are a great way to engage people.
- Your local council might have a community department (it may be called something else) that might know other community groups that would like to get involved.
- Schools can be a great way to engage younger people. Some students might engage with the scouts or Duke of Edinburgh which can be a good way of getting them involved.