Short-term assignments for tech volunteers

Below is a list of short-term projects for "tech" volunteers that was brainstormed by myself and by members of TechSoup's Volunteers and Technology online discussion group in 2005, and have been added to by me over the years. These one-time, short-term assignments might takes days, weeks or just a couple of months to complete. But the each have a definite start date and end date, and do not require a volunteer to make an ongoing commitment to the organization.

Short-term assignments for volunteers relating to computers and the Internet:

• cleaning spyware and viruses off of an organization's computers, and installing or configuring software to prevent such in the future

• checking for the latest updates of software your organization uses frequently (when the updates are not free and automatically-made on your computer), and evaluating whether or not updates that aren't free and automatic are a good idea for the organization (they aren't always)

• installing more memory on the office computers

• creating a system that allows staff or long-term volunteers at your organization to easily backup computer files

• developing a technology plan for the organization that anticipates future equipment and upgrade needs

• developing a technology training plan that defines paid staff and volunteer needs

• evaluating an organization's web site or new web pages regarding their accessibility, and making recommendations regarding such

• holding in-house workshops for paid staff and volunteers on a variety of topics, such as how to:
  • use software already on an organization's computers (particularly under-utilized software, like the graphics software that's already installed on most computers but rarely used, or instant messaging software)

  • manage large amounts of email

  • prevent junk emailers from getting staff email addresses (the perils of sending electronic cards or using online address books or downloading "free screen savers", etc.)

  • use free online services, like YahooGroups

  • use live, interactive software such as chats, instant messaging, VoIP and video conferencing

  • create a short video for use with the general public, dispersed staff or remote volunteers/online volunteers.

Also see: Finding a Computer/Network Consultant
Staff at mission-based organizations (nonprofits, civil society organizations, and public sector agencies) often have to rely on consultants, either paid or volunteer, for expertise in computer hardware, software and networks. Staff may feel unable to understand, question nor challenge whatever that consultant recommends. What can mission-based organizations do to recruit the "right" consultant for "tech" related issues, one that will not make them feel out-of-the-loop or out-of-control when it comes to tech-related discussions?

Also see: Pro Bono / In-Kind / Donated Services for Mission-Based Organizations:
When, Why & How?.
There are all sorts of professionals who want to donate their services -- web design, graphic design, human resources expertise, legal advice, editing, research, and so forth -- to mission-based organizations. And there are all sorts of nonprofits and NGOs who would like to attract such donated services. But often, there's a disconnect -- misunderstandings and miscommunications and unrealistic expectations that lead to missed opportunities and frustrating experiences. This resource is designed to help both those who want to donate professional services and those who want to work with such volunteers.

Want to discuss what it's like to work with tech volunteers? See TechSoup.

Return to my volunteer-related resources

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