What are the best practices for training event volunteers and staff remotely?

1 Define roles and expectations

Before you start training your volunteers and staff, you need to clearly define their roles and expectations. What tasks will they perform? What skills and qualities do they need? How will they communicate and collaborate with you and each other? How will you measure their performance and provide feedback? Create a detailed job description for each role, and share it with your volunteers and staff. This will help them understand their responsibilities and goals, and avoid confusion and frustration.

2 Choose the right tools and platforms

To train your volunteers and staff remotely, you need to choose the right tools and platforms that suit your needs and budget. You may use a combination of online platforms, such as Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, or WhatsApp, to conduct live sessions, webinars, chats, and calls. You may also use online learning platforms, such as Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshare, to provide self-paced courses, videos, and quizzes. You may also use online surveys, forms, or polls, such as Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or Typeform, to collect feedback, data, and opinions. Whatever tools and platforms you choose, make sure they are easy to use, reliable, and secure.

3 Create a training plan and schedule

To train your volunteers and staff remotely, you need to create a training plan and schedule that covers all the essential topics and skills. You may divide your training into modules, such as introduction, event overview, event logistics, event promotion, event management, event evaluation, etc. You may also assign different trainers or experts for each module, depending on their expertise and availability. You may also set a timeline and deadlines for each module, and communicate them clearly to your volunteers and staff. You may also create a calendar or a dashboard that shows the training plan and schedule, and share it with your volunteers and staff.

4 Engage and motivate your volunteers and staff

To train your volunteers and staff remotely, you need to engage and motivate them throughout the process. You may use various strategies, such as gamification, incentives, recognition, feedback, and socialization, to keep them interested and involved. For example, you may use badges, points, leaderboards, or certificates to reward their progress and achievements. You may also use prizes, vouchers, or discounts to incentivize their participation and performance. You may also use shout-outs, testimonials, or reviews to recognize their contributions and efforts. You may also use surveys, polls, or chats to solicit their feedback and suggestions. You may also use forums, groups, or events to facilitate their socialization and networking.

5 Monitor and evaluate your volunteers and staff

To train your volunteers and staff remotely, you need to monitor and evaluate their progress and performance. You may use various metrics, such as attendance, completion, satisfaction, knowledge, skills, or impact, to measure their outcomes and outputs. You may also use various tools, such as quizzes, tests, assignments, or reports, to assess their learning and application. You may also use various methods, such as observation, feedback, or interviews, to collect their insights and experiences. You may also use various techniques, such as data analysis, reporting, or visualization, to present and communicate your findings and recommendations.

6 Support and follow up with your volunteers and staff

To train your volunteers and staff remotely, you need to support and follow up with them after the training. You may use various channels, such as email, phone, or chat, to provide them with ongoing guidance, assistance, and resources. You may also use various opportunities, such as meetings, webinars, or newsletters, to update them with relevant information, news, and tips. You may also use various actions, such as referrals, testimonials, or reviews, to encourage them to spread the word about your event and organization. You may also use various ways, such as thank-you notes, gifts, or invitations, to show your appreciation and gratitude.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?