Are you ready to collaborate with online volunteers?
Before you begin your online volunteering activities, make sure you …
Have basic IT tools at your disposal
You will need to review applications, respond to candidates and communicate regularly with your online volunteers. Adequate Internet access and software are essential prerequisites.
Consider your needs
An important step is to gain clarity on how online volunteers can support your organization. Consider the tasks that need to be fulfilled and how online volunteers’ skills may complement your organization’s development efforts.
Set enough time aside
Note that managing online volunteers requires a certain amount of time commitment. You will need to respond to candidates, provide orientation at the beginning of an assignment and guidance throughout, as well as feedback upon completion.
Are aware of cultural differences
Online volunteering connects people of various backgrounds from around the world, making it a truly multicultural experience. Being aware of cultural differences, diverse working styles and the challenges that arise from communicating in different languages is crucial for a successful collaboration with online volunteers.
The initial experience of managing online volunteers may leave room for improvement; every online collaboration should be viewed as a learning curve for both organizations and online volunteers.




