One of the great institutions and traditions in my city is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR). This 3-week event, the second largest rodeo in the world (behind the Calgary Stampede), draws over 2.4 million visitors each year. But the number that is even more impressive to me is the 34,000 HLSR volunteers who contribute 2.1 million hours of their time each year!

I suspect your mouth waters a little when you think of this level of volunteer mobilization in your church or ministry or non-profit. What’s the secret for HLSR? It’s not a big advertising budget. You won’t see billboards around town or hear radio ads asking for volunteers. Instead, it’s a culture that keeps volunteers coming back and attracts their friends by word-of-mouth. 

So why are HLSR volunteers so committed and enthusiastic? The answers are applicable for any organization that relies on volunteers:

• Purpose. HLSR is a non-profit, with all of the proceeds going to fund scholarships for area youth ($27 million in educational commitments in 2019). Volunteers know that this wouldn’t be possible without them.
• Fun. HLSR volunteers enjoy their jobs. It’s not that the jobs are glamorous, but they are an essential part of the great guest experience for the rodeo’s millions of visitors. Part of the fun is the sense of community that is developed within each volunteer team.
• Organization. From communication to clear roles to training, HLSR volunteers can count on the rodeo to be well-organized. They know they will be prepared for whatever they’re asked to do and whatever curves may come their way. 

A recent newspaper article quoted one of the volunteers as saying, “It’s kind of addicting” and reported that “people are lining up to perform even the most menial tasks.” These include jobs such as helping people load onto shuttle busses, handing out maps, keeping paths clear for livestock, and even shoveling up behind the animals. Should your church or ministry take a cue from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?

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