Hi Chris,
Recruiting is a common challenge among nonprofit participants. We have a couple of chapters in our "Learn A Skill" section that are relevant, especially Chapter 11 on Recruiting and Training Volunteers and the related Toolkit 15.
Recruiting is a skill most comfortably done when the recruiters are thoroughly familiar with the goals and purposes of the organization, can explain generally what it does, can give information about outcomes achieved, feel pride in being members, and can define the time commitments involved. It is important to be clear that someone's refusal to join is not personal rejection. Rather it is a product of the fit between the organization's purpose and the interests of the invitee. It is a very good idea to use role playing exercises when training members how to recruit. The practice and feedback can really help strengthen confidence about recruiting. One element of role playing can be an exercise in how to respond to refusal (Note I did not use the term "rejection.").
