ProBonoLink.org

TIPS FOR POSTING A PROJECT

Be as clear, complete, and specific in your project description as possible.
"Sell" the importance and value of the project.
Be realistic about the deadline. Understand that volunteers will have other, higher-priority commitments.
Be clear about any available budget or lack thereof.
Be honest about challenges and limitations.
Be clear about the number of project decision-makers. The more there are, the less likely someone is to volunteer, because they will perceive a time-consuming bureaucratic process and a watered-down outcome.
After 30 days or upon the project due date, your posting will be removed. If you have not received any responses, please consider rewording the project description and reposting.

TIPS FOR SELECTING A VOLUNTEER
Hopefully, you will receive more than one e-mail response to your posting. In the event that you do:

Respond to all interested parties immediately.
Arrange a meeting or phone call with each to discuss the details of the project.
Let them know early that you are fortunate to have received more than one response, and want to speak with each interested party to determine the best match.
Recognize that each volunteer has different talents and skills. A request for help with a brochure, for example, may elicit responses from a designer, a writer, a photographer, and a printer. Perhaps you can work with all of them!
Ask why they are interested in the project.
Ask them to demonstrate their capabilities with a resume, work samples, or case studies.
Involve all of the project decision-makers in the selection process.
If you’re having trouble selecting, develop a scoring system based upon what is most important to you.
Once you make a selection, let all interested parties know immediately. Tell those you didn’t select that you were fortunate to have many responses, that you chose another volunteer you thought would be a better match for this particular project, and that you hope to work with them on a future project. Thank them profusely.

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH VOLUNTEERS

Give a thorough briefing on the project. The more information you provide, the better the results you will receive.
Make sure your decision-makers are on board with the project and have consensus on expectations.
Introduce the volunteer to the decision-makers early in the process and make sure everyone is clear about expectations. Don’t introduce decision-makers late in the game.
In general, never let a committee near a volunteer project.
Don’t change expectations halfway through the project.
Don’t add new project components beyond the original agreement, and expect them to be done pro bono.
When you don’t agree with a volunteer’s direction, give an objective reason, not a subjective one. Respect that they’ve invested time; work with them to achieve value.
On a pro bono basis, don’t ask for or expect multiple approaches. Ask for the expert’s single best recommendation.
Suggest that the work be reviewed several times in progress, so that misdirection can be addressed early before time is wasted.
One motivation for marketing/communication professionals and students is the opportunity to produce work with fewer restraints (in other words, a portfolio piece or case study). Expect to give up some degree of creative control in exchange for pro bono work.
Give recognition. Put the volunteer’s name on the outcome. Thank them at meetings. Write them a letter. Give them an award or plaque of appreciation. (Not only will they appreciate it, but also they will be more accountable for the quality of the outcome.)
If you have another project, please don’t contact the volunteer directly for help unless you feel you developed a relationship that would allow it. Otherwise, post the project on ProBonoLink.org.