Using Volunteers in the Search

 

1. Establish a volunteer center. Find a place outside of your home that can be used as a volunteer center. Some places that have worked in the past include schools, churches, or a back room of a local business.

2. Know your volunteers. Keep an accurate sign-in sheet with names and times when volunteers are active. Record all volunteers' names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and driver's license numbers. Have volunteers sign consent forms for background checks, and ask the police to run the checks.

3. Use your volunteers effectively.

 

Good uses for volunteers:

Distributing posters

Asking for donations

Collecting published media on the case

Going door-to-door

Ground searches

BAD uses for volunteers: (ask a family member, close friend, or professional instead)

Talking to the media

Helping you around the house, with meals, etc.

Babysitting

Being a spokesperson or contact person for law enforcement

3. Seek out materials and supplies. Ask for donations of paper, printing, tape, and other supplies from local companies.

4. Get the word out. Put up flyers in your neighborhood, and in high-traffic places you think the missing person might have been or could be in the future, such as gas stations, grocery stores, truck stops, food shelves, or malls. Always ask the business for permission before posting. Coordinate mailing and distribution lists among volunteers so your efforts are not duplicated. Create a Facebook page dedicated to the search.

5. Use your networks. Ask for help from your church, PTA, trade union, professional organization, etc.