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Recruiting Volunteers for a Cause

An individual or organization representative tries to persuade others to join a volunteer effort or support a specific social cause, explaining the impact and the benefits of participation.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Hi Michael, do you have a few minutes? I wanted to tell you about something exciting.
2
Michael (Male)
Sure, Sarah. What's up? You look like you're on a mission.
3
Sarah (Female)
I am! Our community center is organizing a campaign to clean up the local park and plant some new trees. We're calling it 'Green Space Revival'.
4
Michael (Male)
That sounds like a great initiative. What exactly does it involve?
5
Sarah (Female)
We need volunteers for a whole day this coming Saturday. We'll be picking up litter, pruning bushes, and planting about 50 saplings. It's a chance to really make a visible difference right in our neighborhood.
6
Michael (Male)
Hmm, a whole day, you say? I'm not sure if I can commit that much time, but it does sound worthwhile. How many people are you looking for?
7
Sarah (Female)
We're aiming for at least 30 people to tackle everything efficiently. Even if you can only spare a few hours in the morning or afternoon, every little bit helps. Think of the impact – a cleaner, greener park for everyone to enjoy.
8
Michael (Male)
You're right, it's hard to argue with that. It would be great to see our park restored. Okay, you've convinced me. I can definitely help out for the morning session. What time should I be there?
9
Sarah (Female)
Fantastic, Michael! We're meeting at the main park entrance at 9 AM. I'll send you an email with all the details and what to bring. Thanks so much for volunteering, it really means a lot!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

exciting

Something that makes you feel happy and interested, like an event or news. Use it to describe positive, engaging activities, e.g., 'an exciting opportunity'.

mission

A task or purpose that someone is determined to achieve. In casual talk, it means you're focused on something important, e.g., 'on a mission' to get things done.

campaign

An organized effort to achieve a goal, often for social or environmental causes. Use it for group activities like 'a clean-up campaign'.

initiative

A new plan or action to improve something. It's a positive word for starting helpful projects, e.g., 'a great initiative for the community'.

volunteers

People who offer to work without pay to help others or a cause. Common in community events; say 'We need volunteers' when recruiting help.

litter

Trash or rubbish thrown on the ground in public places. Use it in environmental contexts, e.g., 'picking up litter' during clean-ups.

commit

To promise to do something, especially time or effort. For volunteering, say 'I can't commit that much time' to express hesitation.

impact

A strong effect or change caused by an action. Useful for explaining benefits, e.g., 'the impact of volunteering on the neighborhood'.

convinced

To be persuaded to believe or do something. Use it when someone changes your mind, e.g., 'You've convinced me to join'.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Do you have a few minutes?

This is a polite way to ask if someone is free to talk. Use it to start a conversation without being too direct. It's common in casual settings and shows respect for the other's time.

What's up? You look like you're on a mission.

'What's up?' is informal for 'What's happening?' or 'What's wrong?'. 'On a mission' means looking determined. This response shows interest and uses idiomatic language for friendly chats.

That sounds like a great initiative.

This expresses approval and interest. 'Sounds like' is used to give an opinion based on description. Useful for responding positively to ideas in discussions about projects.

It's a chance to really make a visible difference.

This highlights the benefit of participation. 'Make a difference' means to improve something noticeably. Use it to motivate others by emphasizing positive outcomes in volunteer talks.

I'm not sure if I can commit that much time, but it does sound worthwhile.

This shows hesitation but interest. 'Commit' means to dedicate time; 'worthwhile' means valuable. It's a balanced response when unsure, common in negotiations about involvement.

Even if you can only spare a few hours, every little bit helps.

This encourages partial participation. 'Spare' means to give extra time; 'every little bit helps' is an idiom meaning small efforts add up. Use it to make volunteering accessible.

You've convinced me. I can definitely help out.

This agrees after persuasion. 'Convinced me' means changed my mind; 'help out' is casual for assisting. Useful for confirming agreement in persuasive conversations.

Thanks so much for volunteering, it really means a lot!

This shows gratitude. 'Means a lot' expresses high value. Use it to thank someone sincerely after they agree to help, building positive relationships in community settings.