If you've spent any time in volunteer management, you've faced it: the dreaded no-call, no show. One day your roster is full, and the next-crickets. No heads-up, no cancellation, just an empty spot and a disrupted team. While it's not quite the same as a no-show from a paid employee, the consequences for your program can be just as serious.
Let's break down what's really going on-and what we can do to turn it around.
What Is a No Call, No Show?
In the volunteer world, a no-call, no show is when someone misses their scheduled shift without notifying anyone in advance. Life happens, sure-but that silence leaves a gap that can impact your team, service delivery, and credibility.
Top 3 Reasons Volunteers Don't Show (or Call)
- Unexpected Life Events
Emergencies, illness, family obligations, or transportation issues can catch volunteers off guard. Sometimes it's so sudden or overwhelming, they forget to notify you. - Lack of Engagement
If volunteers don't feel connected to your mission or valued in their role, it's easy for the commitment to slip. Weak onboarding or a lack of recognition can lead to disengagement and drop-offs. - Poor Communication or Unclear
Expectations
Miscommunication is a silent saboteur. If volunteers aren't sure when or where to show up-or if they never got confirmation-they might assume they're off the hook.
What Can We Do About It?
Reducing no-shows starts with creating a more intentional and supportive volunteer experience. Here's how:
1. Strengthen Communication
- Send shift reminders via text, email, or app 24-48 hours ahead.
- Ask volunteers to confirm their attendance.
- Use scheduling tools like Better Impact and Signup Genius for clarity and convenience.
2. Set Expectations Early
- Be crystal clear during onboarding about the importance of attendance and what to do if plans change.
- Share how their presence directly affects the team and the mission.
- Make sure they know who to contact if issues arise.
3. Build a Culture of Connection
- Get to know your volunteers personally.
- Create community through team chats, socials, or feedback sessions.
- Recognize reliability-celebrate those who show up consistently.
4. Make It Easy to Cancel or Reschedule
- Offer a no-judgment cancellation policy.
- Let them adjust their shift online if needed.
- Flexibility builds trust, and trust builds commitment.
Final Thoughts
No call, no shows might be common, but they don't have to be the norm. When we approach volunteer management with empathy, structure, and open communication, we create an environment where volunteers feel respected, responsible, and ready to show up.
Let's build teams that not only sign up but follow through.
