Working with a virtual Volunteer doesn't have to be scary! Read below for a few tips to help you collaborate effectively and build a relationship with your Catchafire Volunteer.
Schedule a kick-off call and standing check-ins to discuss the status of your project.
As soon as you match on a project, schedule a kick-off call with your Volunteer to establish a project timeline and get to know one another. Once you've begun your work together, place a standing meeting on both of your calendars to ensure the project keeps moving forward.
Tip: Always send a meeting agenda at least 24 hours in advance - it will help you stay on track and use your meeting time most effectively!
Utilize video conferencing and screen sharing to build rapport.
Face-to-face communication can help you bond with your Volunteer, establish trust, and communicate more clearly. Many video conferencing tools also allow you to share your screen, which can help you present information or give feedback on a visual deliverable.
Suggested free software: Google Hangouts, Zoom, Join.me
Use shared folders and documents to organization information and give feedback.
Emailing documents back and forth can get messy, fast. Instead, use shared folders that allow you to organize information and track changes on any written documents. To start, send your Volunteer a folder with background information they'll need to begin work on your project.
Suggested free software: Google Drive, Dropbox, Notion
As always, feel free to reach out to us using the blue chat bubble on the bottom-right of your screen (for keyboard-only and screen-reader users, please email us at help@catchafire.org) if you have any questions.