CSI and each Co-op have a process for inviting in external volunteers, due to them wanting to build volunteership from within the Co-op as much as possible. They don’t want potentially less able-bodied, but otherwise capable, member volunteers to feel replaced by external volunteers. Hence, SCs are not permitted to seek or host volunteers. The seeking and hosting of volunteers would need to be done by the Co-op members.
A slightly more nuanced answer does include the following consideration for individual clients:
1. If you are specifically working with a member as a client, you are welcome (with their involvement and consent) to help line up volunteers to assist from everything from phone reassurance to heavy lifting. Concerning a member with a tendency to hoard, I would stick with skilled and trained volunteers from organizations like RSVP or CSS or student interns with specialized training like Social Work students.
2. If it is for a co-op wide event, that is the domain of the co-op members/committees. In order to encourage as much “in-co-op” volunteerism as possible, I would err on not getting involved with any volunteer recruitment unless asked if you can perform a specific component of an overall volunteer event strategy that you co-plan with your leadership team.
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