4. Volunteers
- Explicitly note what is and is not allowed on the network in terms of content or activities.
- Encourage and facilitate face-to-face user gatherings periodically, whether it is aall volunteers or a special group. Face-to-face interaction is an important aspect of community networking.
- Interview and screen volunteers as you would any employees.
- Consider making background checks on volunteer applicants who might work around children in, say, after-school settings. This would mean getting releases created and signed by volunteers.
- Not everyone who volunteers is worth having.
- Train people well, and then trust them.
- Give clear directions regarding a volunteer activity -- what is expected in terms of time, commitment, etc.
- Seek feedback from volunteers; they are your eyes and ears.
- Place volunteers carefully.
- Follow up with volunteers to make sure work is completed satisfactorily.
- Be open to a wide range of potential volunteers for a broad set of internal needs.
- Honor volunteers regularly and make their contributions widely known.
- Here's another view of the all-important role of volunteers and volunteer management.
