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Volunteer work has many benefits. And with the advent of the World Wide Web those who are working and otherwise too busy making a living to do volunteer work can now do so too. All it needs is discipline and devotion.
Volunteering is not easy and virtual volunteering means you need to contribute time and resources and be passionate about whatever you are volunteering to do. Since you will be the master of your own schedule it is essential to be focused and keep records and reporting systems in order.
1. Before you begin its important to internalize to determine whether you are in actuality a volunteer material or you are just getting carried away by enthusiasm. When you volunteer it is important to keep to the commitments and deadlines you are assigned. The organization will be placing their faith in you and you must never take the organization for granted and abstain from completing projects.
2. Be clear and understand what is required of you. Draw up a personal time table and see whether you will be able to find the time to work on the project each day and whether you have the infrastructure such as computer, internet, library membership, directory or software needed to do the job.
3. Study the organization and think about whether what they are doing and what you are volunteering for are something you are inclined towards. Most often mechanical work like creating data bases or tele-marketing or funds gathering is what virtual volunteers are assigned.
4. Be prepared to spend time acclimatizing. Learn how to manage time personally and find time to learn about the organizational systems from your contact at the volunteer organization.
5. Create a volunteer profile for yourself and highlight the areas you are interested in and know you can work in without hitches.
6. Keep paperwork in order and create a schedule for the assignment given. Define how many hours you will work each day and divide the assignment into parts allowing time for corrections and revision of work.
7. It is important to set up a communications routine with the volunteer organization. Discipline yourself to send emails of project progress at least once a week.
8. Review the project progress and direction systematically and clarify any doubts immediately. Ensure that the way the project progresses or a proceeds is the same as what the goals of the volunteer organization are. Tracking a project is vital.
9. Volunteer for face to face training at the organization before you begin work virtually. This way you will be able to master organizational processes and methodology.
10. If you get stuck don't be afraid to seek help from experienced staff at the organization. Right from the start ask for a mentor to be assigned to your project. Volunteer organizations normally have trained staff who will be able to help you iron out glitches or give you much needed working tips.
As a virtual volunteer you need to learn the policies of the organization such as chain of approval, confidentiality of information, goals, vision, mission and more. Most volunteer organization have induction programs for volunteers so if you are serious about volunteer work albeit virtually be sure you are in synchrony with the organization.
