A volunteer’s first experience often depends on whether somebody remembers they are new.

Established groups forget how much they know. Where the cups are kept, who to ask, what the sign-up sheet means, when it is acceptable to leave: all of it is obvious to everyone except the person standing there for the first time, feeling in the way. Most people who never come back a second time were not unwilling, only unattached. Ten minutes of orientation decides more than any recruitment effort.

At the next session, pick out whoever is new and stay near them. Explain the obvious things without waiting for them to ask.