managing it volunteers
DESCRIPTION
This online seminar was recorded and can be accessed by clicking on the link to the right. You'll also see a link to the PowerPoint presentation. Please post additional questions to the Volunteers & Tech Forum.TRANSCRIPT
talks!
Managing IT Volunteers
Audio is only available by calling this number:Conference Call: 866-740-1260Access Code: 6339392
Sponsored by
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
Using ReadyTalk
• Chat & raise hand • Mute = *6,
Unmute = *7• If you lose your
internet connection, reconnect using the link emailed to you.
• If you lose your phone connection, re-dial the phone number and re-join.
• ReadyTalk support: 800-843-9166
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
Continue the conversation
• Twitter hashtag: #tsitvol• Ask follow-up questions in the
Volunteers & Tech Forum:– forums.techsoup.org/cs/forums/22.aspx
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
You are being recorded…
• This seminar will be available on the TechSoup website along with past webinar presentations:– www.techsoup.org/go/webinars
• You will receive a link to this presentation, material and links.
talks!
Managing IT VolunteersFacilitator: Kami Griffiths, TechSoupPresenters:Jayne Cravens,
Coyote Communications
Sponsored by
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
Today’s Speakers
Volunteer: Becky Wiegand (TechSoup), Emily Inlow-Hood
Kami GriffithsTechSoup
Jayne CravensCoyote Communications
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
Agenda
• Introductions• Interview with Jayne• Audience Q&A• About TechSoup
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
How IT Volunteers Help - Short-term• Hosting a workshop for staff about
how to use a particular tech tool (like Ready Talk!)
• Updating the virus software on everyone's computer
• Critiquing a web site re: accessibility,
• Helping to evaluate candidates for an IT-related staff position
• Identifying short-term IT-related assignments for other volunteers
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
How IT Volunteers Help - Long-term• Providing all technical
support for the org's web site,
• Developing and supporting a client database or internal wiki space for staff,
• Serving as an on-call help for computer and Internet-related problems,
• Developing and overseeing a tech-related strategic plan (software and hardware purchases for next 1 – 3 years), etc.
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
Identifying Tasks
• Ask staff and volunteers about needs re: computer & Internet use for their jobs (what they want to know more about, what assistance they would like to have, etc.)
• Ask more than once: one-on- one, in groups, in surveys, in conversations, formally, informally, etc.
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
Put Tasks in Writing• Name of task• Description of task• Description of why task is important to the
organization• What staff member will be primary support for
volunteer in task• Description of what support staff member will
provide (daily onsite or online meetings? Answer questions within 48 hours? work space?)
• Time frame for assignment (one month? three months?)
• Commitment from volunteer (onsite visit once a week? online meetings twice a month?)
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
Trouble Putting Tasks in Writing?If so, then make that your first volunteer task in
writing: • Name of task: Help identify possible IT tasks for
volunteers at our organization• Description of task: Interview staff and volunteers
about their use of IT, their training needs, etc., and identify specific tasks IT volunteers could help with
• Why task is important to the organization: Better using computers and the Internet will help our organization potentially serve more clients.
• etc.
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
How Will You Evaluate Candidates?• Before you recruit, you must know how
you will interview them, how you will screen them, etc.
• Prepare to respond to candidates quickly (within 48 hours)
• Do all interviews close together, within a few days, not weeks
• Ask for full CVs, examples of work and references
• Don't be afraid to say to a candidate, “I don't understand that tech term. Could you explain?”
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
More on Evaluating Candidates
• Ask the candidate about how he or she feels about working in an environment where computers and the Internet are not the priority in business operations (rather, clients are, or the mission of the organization), where financial resources are very limited, etc.
• Ask the candidate about his or her previous experience working with people who do not have a great deal of computer or IT knowledge
• Ask the candidate how he or she will know his or her services at the organization are successful/ beneficial.
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
Recruiting
• Various web sites (volunteermatch.org, idealist.org, craigslist.org, etc.)
• Your local volunteer center• Career centers and volunteer centers at
local colleges and universities• IT departments at large corporations in your
area (cc the corporate giving officer as well)• Your own org's web site• Your current volunteers (and
their families and friends), via word-of-mouth or their online social networking
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
Support Your IT Volunteers• As with any volunteer, tech volunteers will benefit
your organization and have a great experience themselves if:– They have a robust task description with clearly-defined
expectations– Their key contact person at the organization gives them
the support (time and info) they need and Their emails and phone calls are returned promptly
– They understand why their service to your organization matters
– They are recognized and rewarded in the same way as any other volunteer (pins, pens, invitations, t-shirts, etc.)
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
More Resources
• Finding a Computer/Network Consultant– www.coyotecommunications.com/tech/consultants.html
• Short-term assignments for tech volunteers– www.coyotecommunications.com/volunteer/techvolideas.html
• Pro Bono / In-Kind / Donated Services for Mission-Based Organizations: When, Why & How?– www.coyotecommunications.com/volunteer/probono.html
• Volunteer management books & other resources– www.energizeinc.com
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
Special Announcement
• Newly revised! Working with Technical Volunteers:– www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/
volunteers/page11651.cfm
talks!
Questions?
Submit your questions using the chat box.
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
Continue the Discussion…
• Ask follow-up questions in the Volunteers & Tech Forum in the TechSoup community:– forums.techsoup.org/cs/forums/22.aspx
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
Get the Most Out of TechSoup
• At TechSoup, you’ll find a range of technology services to help your nonprofit:
– Read helpful articles in our Learning Center– Request donated software, hardware, and
online services– Join our community forums to learn from
your colleagues– Browse upcoming events and conferences
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
Upcoming Webinar
• TeleGreening Your Work – Wednesday, May 6, 10:00 a.m. Pacific
Managing IT VolunteersConference Call: 866-740-1260 Access Code: 6339392
Thank you to our Webinar Sponsor!
ReadyTalk offers dedicated product demos for
TechSoup organizations 4 times per week:
Monday 1:00 pm Mountain Standard Time (MST)Wednesday 9:00 am MSTThursday 1:00 pm MSTFriday 9:00 am MST
