Screening online volunteers
Abstract
Recruiting online volunteers can be a great way to add new talent and experience to a volunteer program. Jayne Cravens, online volunteering specialist at United Nations Volunteers and former project manager for the Virtual Volunteering Project, recommends creating a detailed online application and orientation process to weed out potential candidates who may not be ready to make a serious online volunteering commitment. From the Virtual Volunteering Project, part of the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service, at the University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs.Issue
Potential volunteers who see an online opportunity may not be ready to commit to the time necessary for the volunteering position. Before requiring a detailed online application and orientation, the Virtual Volunteering Project found that 75 percent or more of online volunteers did not complete their volunteer assignment. A detailed online application can help dissuade potentially non-committed volunteers early in the process, saving the organization time and energy.Action
Create a detailed online application that potential candidates must fill out, followed by an online orientation with certain steps a candidate must complete (such as subscribing to an e-mail newsletter) before they will be considered for an online assignment.Context
This practice is used by organizations throughout the United States, and a growing number of organizations outside the United States, to screen online volunteers before they are officially given an assignment.Outcome
Initially, 75 percent or more of online volunteers did not complete their volunteer assignment. When the application became more detailed and filling out certain fields became mandatory, the incompletion rate dropped to 50 percent. When another screening step was added — the online orientation — the online "no show" rate for completing assignments dropped to around 25 percent.Evidence
The screening and orientation process helped potential volunteers understand that online volunteering takes real time and effort. The new process resulted in a massive reduction in uncompleted online volunteering assignments and an increase in the number of people who wrote and said they were reconsidering their desire to volunteer.Posted On
May 9, 2001For More Information
Jayne Cravens
United Nations Volunteers
Phone: (49 228) 815 2000
Fax: (49 228) 815 2001
Website: http://www.unv.org
Email: jc@coyotecommunications.com