On Volunteerism & Volunteer Management

Here you will find:

• my essays and resources about volunteer engagement/management and volunteerism (community engagement) not published elsewhere, including the popular "Myths About Online Volunteering," and several resources regarding international volunteering, and employees on-loan/corporate volunteers (these are listed below).

• various volunteerism and volunteer engagement/management resources I've created, or to which I've contributed, for other organizations, including the United Nations, on subjects such as online volunteering/virtual volunteering, using handheld technologies as part of volunteering activities, online mentoring, and the essential role volunteers play in community technology centers/community media centers, particularly in developing countries (these are listed below).

• my own experiences as a volunteer and my thoughts on volunteer motivations, volunteer engagement/management and volunteerism in general.

• my favorite resources regarding volunteer engagement/management and volunteerism, outstanding and essential books and online resources from trusted, established people and organizations.

 
my essays and resources about volunteer management and volunteerism not published elsewhere:

• Myths About Online Volunteering (Virtual Volunteering)
  Online volunteering means unpaid service that is given by volunteers via the Internet. It's also known as virtual volunteering, online mentoring, ementoring, evolunteering, cyber volunteering, cyber service, telementoring, online engagement, and on and on. Here is a list of common myths about online volunteering, and my attempt to counter them.

• Studies and Research Regarding Online Volunteering / Virtual Volunteering
  While there is a plethora of articles and information about online volunteering, there has been very little research published regarding the subject. This is a compilation of publicly-available research regarding online volunteering, and a list of suggested possible angles for researching online volunteering. New contributions to this page are welcomed, including regarding online mentoring programs.

• Recruiting Local Volunteers To Increase Diversity Among the Ranks
  Having plenty of volunteers usually isn't enough to say a volunteering program is successful. Another indicator of success is if your volunteers represent a variety of ages, education-levels, economic levels and other demographics, or are a reflection of your local community. Most organizations don't want volunteers to be a homogeneous group; they want to reach a variety of people as volunteers (and donors and other supporters, for that matter). This resource will help you think about how to recruit for diversity, or to reach a specific demographic.

• Keeping Volunteer Information Up-to-Date
  Keeping track of volunteer information is a challenge. At minimum, an organization has to keep track of volunteers' up-to-date email address and phone number. Organizations also need volunteers to report what they are doing as volunteers and how many hours they are contributing -- each day, each week or each month. Having this information for volunteers is vital to the sustainability of volunteer involvement. This page offers suggestions on how to keep volunteer information up-to-date, with the goal of getting the information your organization needs with minimal effort on your part.

• Listing of Volunteer Management Software
  Some of the most frequently-asked questions to me are regarding volunteer management software: what's available, how different packages compare with each other, the cost of each, the features of each, and on and on. I do not have the resources to create a comparison of the different volunteer management software. I've created this page to offer criteria to help organizations choose volunteer management software, and to help someone who might want to create a comparison of such software, as well as to offer a listing of volunteer management software I know about (but with no comment or description of the software -- just links to the producing company's web sites).

• Using Video to Support Online Volunteers/Remote Volunteers.
  Video is a great way to further support volunteers, and your computer probably already has all of the tools you need to make a video, or to engage in a live video conversation with others. Video isn't something to use only with online volunteers or remote volunteers (those providing onsite service at a different location than yours). It's also a tool you can use with new and current volunteers. In addition to an organization producing videos for volunteers, it can also work the other way around: volunteers can produce videos for organizations. This resource provides information on your options, and links to my own short video on the subject.

• Using Real-Time Communications With Volunteers
  A growing number of organizations are using real-time communications -- including video conferencing, online phone calls, chats and instant messaging -- to hold online meetings with volunteers, to allow volunteers to interact with staff, clients, or each other, or to involve volunteers in a live, online, real-time event. This resource provides more information on real-time communications with volunteers -- what the various tools are, how agencies are using them to interact with volunteers, and tips to encourage and maintain participation in synchronous communications.

• Promoting your volunteering program internally
  Too often, the first position cut at an organization facing financial difficulties is the volunteer coordinator. Most people in these positions, I'm sorry to say, do a poor job of making sure that every staff member at their organization knows the time and expertise they bring to the position, and the essential nature of their role in recruiting and supporting volunteers. The volunteer coordinator should make sure he or she is seen as also absolutely essential to the organization. This page talks about how a volunteer coordinator can make sure the board, all paid staff and all volunteers at an organization know the essential value of not only volunteers, but also the volunteer coordinator.

• COMMENTARY: The Growing Digital Divide Among Nonprofit Organizations /
  Civil Society in the USA (and maybe it's not just digital)
  I'm seeing a disturbing trend: a gap between those organizations who are using the Internet in a myriad of ways to support their missions, and those who are still largely on the sidelines and not using network technologies in working with their volunteers. The question is, are these sidelined nonprofits there because of lack of access to resources, of lack of will to embrace them?

• NetSquared and the New Wave of Online Volunteering
  (and maybe all volunteering)
  Tiny nonprofit organizations with very little staff are doing extraordinary things with volunteers, and making their volunteers feel included and energized, not with pins and t-shirts but through greater and more-meaningful involvement. This conference provided endless examples of such, and I summarize them here.

• Recognizing Online Volunteers & Using the Internet to Honor ALL Volunteers
  Recognition helps volunteers stay committed to your organization, and gets the attention of potential volunteers -- and donors -- as well. Organizations need to fully recognize the efforts of remote, online volunteers, as well as those onsite, and not differentiate the value of these two forms of service. Organizations should also incorporate use of the Internet to recognize the efforts of ALL volunteers, both online and onsite. With cyberspace, it's never been easier to show volunteers -- and the world -- that volunteers are a key part of your organization's successes. This new resource provides a long list of suggestions for both honoring online volunteers and using the Internet to recognize ALL volunteers that contribute to your organization.

• Short-term Assignments for Tech Volunteers
  There are a variety of ways for mission-based organizations to involve volunteers to help with short-term projects relating to computers and the Internet, and short-term assignments are what are sought after most by potential "tech" volunteers. But there is a disconnect: most organizations have trouble identifying such short-term projects. This is a list of short-term projects for "tech" volunteers -- assignments that might takes days, weeks or just a couple of months to complete.

• Why Should the Poor Volunteer? It's Time To Re-Think the Answer
  Editorial: When volunteering is so often presented just one way -- as a state-sanctioned free labor activity -- reluctance and even hostility by the unemployed, the cash-strapped and the disenfranchised are completely justified. If governments and donors want volunteerism campaigns in poor communities to lead to more volunteering, they must radically update their message.

• Vetting Organizations in Other Countries
  One of the frequently asked questions I receive is: "how do I know if a mission-based organization in another country is 'for real'? I want to volunteer/donate to such, but first, I want to make sure it's a credible organization, that it's not some sort of scam, or an 'organization' of just one person." This list of suggestions is my answer.

• Hosting International Volunteers
  More and more local organizations in developing countries are turning to local expertise, rather than international volunteers, to support their efforts. However, the need for international volunteers remains, and will for many, many years to come. This resource provides tips for local organization in a developing countries interested in gaining access to international volunteers.

• Reality Check: Volunteering Abroad (especially for citizens of the USA)
  Times have changed drastically in the last 30 years regarding Americans and other "westerners" volunteering in other countries. The emphasis in local relief and development efforts is to empower local people, and to hire local people, whenever possible, to address their own issues, build their own capacities, and give them employment. This strategy is much more beneficial to local communities than to bring in an outside volunteer. That said -- the days of international volunteers are NOT numbered: there will always be a need for international volunteers, either to fill gaps in knowledge and service in a local situation, or because a more neutral observer/contributor is required. This new page provides tips on gaining the skills and experience that are critically needed to volunteer overseas.

• Volunteering To Help After Major Disasters
  Whenever a disaster strikes, hundreds -- even thousands -- of citizens in the USA start contacting various organizations in an effort to try to volunteer onsite at the disaster site. But what many of these people don't realize is that spontaneous volunteers with no training and no affiliation can actually cause more problems than they alleviate in a disaster situation, particularly regarding disaster locations far from their home. If you want to be a part of the mobilization for a future disaster, here are tips to help you get into "the system," get training, and be in a position to make a real difference.

• Being an Online Mentor: A Real Relationship, A Real Commitment
  (What I've Learned as an Online Mentor)
  In addition to researching and compiling information online mentoring for many years, and helping to create online mentor programs, I have also had the pleasure of serving as an online volunteer mentor on several occasions. Mentoring someone online takes real time and commitment. The work required for online mentoring doesn't happen only at the most convenient time for the volunteer. I have learned a lot by being a part of these online mentoring programs and share my experiences and advice for online mentoring here.

• Essential/Favorite Resources Regarding Volunteer Management and Volunteerism
  There is a plethora of resources promoting volunteerism, and at long last, the number of volunteer management resources has grown significantly. But which are "the best"? This is a list of my favorite resources relating to volunteerism and volunteer management -- books and online resources from trusted, established people and organizations that I believe should be required reading of anyone who recruits and supports volunteers.

• Please, No More Volunteer-Matching Web Sites
  Please, no more volunteer matching sites for North America. There are plenty. In fact, in my opinion, there are too many. If you insist on launching such a site, I offer this advice.

• Pro Bono / In-Kind / Donated Services for Mission-Based Organizations:
  When, Why & How?
  There are all sorts of professionals who want to donate their services -- web design, graphic design, human resources expertise, legal advice, editing, research, and so forth -- to mission-based organizations. And there are all sorts of nonprofits and NGOs who would like to attract such donated services. But often, there's a disconnect -- misunderstandings and miscommunications and unrealistic expectations that lead to missed opportunities and frustrating experiences. This resource, prompted by the topic coming up at the same time on a few online discussion groups I read, is designed to help both those who want to donate professional services and those who want to work with such volunteers. It's applicable to a variety of situations, not just those involving computer and Internet-related projects.

• The Pitfalls of Having a Program Sponsor
  (and suggestions for mission-based organizations on how to avoid them)
  For-profit companies, particularly large corporations, often sponsor specific programs at mission-based organizations (non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations/NGOs, civil society, school, etc.), providing funding, donated staff time, and in-kind equipment and services to help launch and maintain a program. In most ways, this is a blessing for the mission-based organization. But there are often hidden costs that lead to frustrations for everyone involved. This is a list of some of those hidden costs, and ways they can be avoided.

• Online Discussion Groups for Volunteers
  How asynchronous communications (email-based online discussion groups, web-based bulletin boards and USENET) can be used to communicate with volunteers and to allow volunteers to communicate with each other. Includes examples and links to more information.

• Kofi Annan and Online Volunteering
  (I made the UN Secretary General laugh)
  A personal commentary about my encounter with Mr. Annan at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in 2003.

• The Online Volunteering service (formerly at NetAid), allows organizations serving the developing world to recruit and involve online volunteers. In addition to the recruitment and management features on the site, the service also provides extensive information to help both organizations and individuals to get the most out of online volunteering.

• The UNITeS, the United Nations Information Technology Service, an initiative launched by the UN Secretary General that promotes volunteerism as fundamental to information and communications technologies for development (ICT4D). Two resources in particular were developed by me:
   
  
  • Using Instant Messaging to Work With Volunteers: Benefits and Suggestions
    The advantages of using Instant Messaging (IM) with volunteers, based on feedback from various online discussion groups, from the staff experiences of the United Nations Information Technology Service, and various other resources. Here is the archived version from November 2002, and here is the updated version.

  • Handheld computer technologies in community service/volunteering/advocacy
    Examples of volunteers/citizens/grass roots advocates using handheld computer / personal digital assistants (PDAs) or phone devices as part of community service / volunteering / advocacy, or examples that could be applied to volunteer settings. Also included is a section on Advocacy, and a listing of Online Software Directories for Handhelds.

  • Volunteers: Essential to ICT projects in developing countries
    Why the UNITeS initiative believed that volunteers are an essential and fundamental element to the success of information and communications technology (ICT) efforts in underdeveloped communities.

  • Assisting Others As An Expert Volunteer
    This article was part of the online Knowledge Base hosted by UNITeS. It is an example of the kinds of resources that were a part of the UNITeS Knowledge Base to help volunteers applying ICT in the developing world, and to help organizations who wanted to involve such volunteers.

  • UNITeS Contributions to the UNESCO Multimedia Training Kit
    The UNV staff managing the UNITeS initiative was invited to prepare a module on volunteers in telecentres and community media organizations for the UNESCO Multimedia Training Kit (MMTK). The module includes a slide show presentation, exercises, case studies and trainer notes.

• Communicating with Volunteers: Making the Most of Your Options, practical tips on using various communications means, including the Internet, to engage and support volunteers. This module is featured in e-Volunteerism, a quarterly subscription-based online publication spearheaded by two internationally-known volunteerism consultants, Steve McCurley and Susan J. Ellis. e-Volunteerism caters to volunteer leaders/managers who want to go beyond the usual, basic volunteerism issues, and delve into more advanced, complex issues. This is part of an overall module I prepared for Everyone Ready , an extensive volunteer management staff development plan for national organizations by Energize, Inc.

• The Virtual Volunteering Project, which, when I directed it from December 1996 to January 2001, encouraged and assisted agencies in the development and success of volunteer opportunities that can be completed via home or work computers and the Internet, and helped agencies use the Internet to manage all volunteers and connect with volunteer management resources. This included the most comprehensive information available, on or offline, regarding online mentoring programs and best practices.

• For Lonely Planet , a Blue List: Doing Good On Vacation in a Developing Country. This site has been taken down from the original URL. To view the site, cut and paste http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bluelist/index.cfm?fa=main.viewList&list_id=3628 into archive.org.

• "Virtual Volunteering: Online Volunteers Providing Assistance to Human Service Agencies", in Human Services Online: A New Arena for Service Delivery , which was co-published simultaneously as the Journal of Technology in Human Services, Volume 17, Numbers 1 and 2/3 2000, by The Haworth Press

• "Online Mentoring: Programs and Suggested Practices as of February 2001", in Technology-Assisted Delivery of School Based Mental Health Services: Defining School Social Work for the 21st Century, which was co-published simultaneously as the Journal of Technology in Human Services, Volume 21, Numbers 1/2 2003, by The Haworth Press

• "Challenges of International Online Volunteering: Re-Learning Words, Transcending Boundaries", September 2004, in The Journal of Volunteer Administration, Volume 22, Number 3, published by the Association for Volunteer Administration (AVA).

• "Learning From The 'Not-So-Nice' Volunteers," published by Merrill Associates as the Topic of the Month for December 2004

• Sanchez Elementary School Online Mentoring Program
  Jayne designed this program, designed the web site, and recruited, screened and trained the online volunteers who participated in this program to mentor two classes at Sanchez Elementary School in Austin, Texas, as part of the Virtual Volunteering Project. This web site, sans mentor and student information and interactive functionality, is provided to help others, particularly schools, to develop their own online mentoring programs.

• AmeriCorps for Community Engagement and Education Program (ACEE)
  VISTA School Volunteer Management Handbook
  A resource guide from 1998 for VISTAs in charge of managing school-based volunteers for Sanchez Elementary School in Austin, Texas through the ACEE program, and a good model for managing school-based volunteers anywhere.

• Community Engagement and Volunteerism Resources for Texas K-12 Schools
  Part of the Texas Education Network (TENET), this web portal is for school administrators, teachers, parent/family volunteers, and others who coordinate volunteer and community partnership activities between schools and other organizations, including businesses. It has become a nationally-recognized web site. To view the site, cut and paste http://www.serviceleader.org/old/schools/ into archive.org.

• Part of the Texas Education Network (TENET), this web portal is for school administrators, teachers, parent/family volunteers, and others who coordinate volunteer and community partnership activities between schools and other organizations, including businesses. It has become a nationally-recognized web site. To view the site, cut and paste http://www.serviceleader.org/old/schools/ into archive.org.

• Various comments made per volunteerism-related topics at Energize, Inc Hot Topic of the Month) and E-Volunteerism

   
  view my reviews of volunteerism books at:
  

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