How can you network with volunteers in other time zones?

?While networking with the volunteers from different time zones. I think scheduling meetings at mutually convenient hours is a paramount importance. ?Recording the meeting is crucial to enable participants who attended or couldn't join to review important points and watch the recorded session at their convenience.

As plataformas online permitem que você interaja com pessoas do mundo todo. Além de serem uma boa forma para se conectar com os demais voluntários, elas permitem que vocês fa?am encontros assíncronos, cada um no seu momento ideal. Essa é uma ferramenta sensacional para situa??es nas quais os voluntários est?o em timezones diferentes!

As I have seen it, to network with volunteers in different time zones require to use online platforms for communication and collaboration, establish a clear communication protocol, considering time zone differences, encourage flexibility in work schedules, organize virtual team-building activities to foster a sense of community.

From my owned perspective here are some tips to consider. Managing volunteers who work remotely or across different time zones can be challenging, but also rewarding. You can tap into a diverse and talented pool of people who share your passion and vision, but you also need to overcome some barriers and risks. You will learn some tips and best practices to make the most of your remote volunteer team, from communication and collaboration to motivation and recognition

Quando estava atuando com voluntários de outros países, tentava sempre buscar um momento em que os fuso horários permitissem uma boa comunica??o assíncrona. Um app que me ajudou muito durante esse período foi o Calendly! As conversas eram agendadas por lá e os encontros aconteciam via Google Meet.

Sure, before conducting these online meetings it is of great essence to ensure that everyone is aligned with the goals and that it works for them without inconveniencing them. It is also important to know that people from all over the world are different in various perspectives and incorporating respect and tolerance is key.

Networking with volunteers in other time zone requires - 1. Flexibility: Be willing to adjust your schedule to accommodate volunteers in different time zones. This may involve being available for meetings or communication during non-traditional hours. 2. Respect: Acknowledge and appreciate the time zone differences by being mindful of when you are reaching out to volunteers. Avoid contacting them during their late night or early morning hours unless absolutely necessary. 3. Communication: Clearly communicate your understanding of the time zone differences and be open to finding mutually convenient times for meetings or discussions. Use tools like scheduling apps or time zone converters to help coordinate effectively.

This is important and about showing respect to the volunteers who are investing their time to contribute to a greater good so flexibility is paramount. I know when I have set up global meetings when I am offering mentoring on a pro-bono basis, I have struggled at times with the times zones so it is getting this right with the volunteers but also putting in the work and researching accessibility issues and what the challenges may be and supporting with this or having conversations around this. Doing some work and helping who was using volunteers, a lot of the volunteers didn't have smart phones and some of them in the villages didn't have access to data and so the project work I did was around raising funds to help with mobile phones.

Exactly! Being flexible and respectful is of great essence while networking with volunteers from groups in other time zones. Being flexible entails getting to know more about their culture, preferences, and orientation, amongst others. When this is done, being respectful will be much easier.

En mi experiencia, lo más importante es estar abierta o abierto a que surjan imprevistos, tener bloqueada entre media hora y una hora más. Si eres tú quien va a llevar la reunión, ten en cuenta la diferencia horaria, la disponibilidad de ambas personas y que el organizar la reunión no se vuelva un estrés para ambas, en especial dar 3 opciones de fechas y horas siempre vienen bien.

This is so important as we know life aside from ourselves is about building relationships and so for me it would be important to build rapport and connection around why people are there and why they are volunteering and what it means to them. People have stories to tell that are significant and for many that is why they get into volunteering. For example, I worked a client who decided to volunteer a couple of hours a week in an older people's home after the death of his father. People want to give back and we owe them to listen to their WHY. When I was being interviewed as a volunteer I was asked about my motivation and why and for me it cemented why I was doing it and helps volunteer and organise to 'mutualise'.

Interacting in an open and available mindset. Even though we may be volunteers we have ownership and don’t want to offend or ruffle feathers.

I find this useful. Building trust and rapport will help volunteers know each other and share useful experiences that can help facilitate set objectives in performing group tasks. This can also aid effective communication and mutual relationship for career growth.

Think of it like planting seeds of camaraderie across time zones – the third step to connect with volunteers globally involves nurturing trust and understanding. Imagine it as a friendly garden where you show genuine interest, appreciation, and empathy for your fellow volunteers. Ask about their roots, motivations, and the flowers they hope to bloom as volunteers. Share your own stories, the storms you've weathered, and the blossoms you've witnessed. Be the watering can of support, offering encouragement and feedback. Cultivating this garden creates not just connections but a tapestry of positive and meaningful relationships.

Building trust and rapport means taking part in meaningful conversations. By asking others about their background, motivations, and volunteer goals, it fosters a deeper connection. Sharing personal stories, challenges, and achievements as a volunteer creates a sense of authenticity and helps build meaningful relationships.

I have spoken open to my friends and some of my network about the volunteering that I do in the UK, Sierra Leone and Uganda - mind you it mostly online given the geographical restrictions. In some of my volunteer mentoring groups I have invited other experts to contribute to discussion and encouraged the volunteers to then connect with my guest on social media. This expands their network and they learn more which all helps with their development and expansion. It's vital to support volunteers in their growth.

Yeah, While networking with volunteers from other time zones, one should always seek for opportunities and possible collaboration. This will help both volunteers build meaningful relationship. Also, seeking such opportunities can facilitate partnership for effective courses.

Picture it as a global potluck – the fourth step to connect with volunteers worldwide involves seeking opportunities and collaborations. Think of it like extending invitations to a feast of growth, learning, and shared contributions. Consider hosting a virtual webinar, workshop, or course that aligns with your mutual interests. Suggest joint projects, partnerships, or mentorships that can be a delightful fusion of your skills. It's akin to sharing your secret recipe with others, recommending them to your contacts, organizations, or exciting opportunities. This potluck of opportunities not only enriches your network but creates a global banquet of shared experiences.

Being proactive in seeking opportunities and collaborations with volunteers in different time zones opens up a world of possibilities. Actively seeking out webinars, workshops, or courses to invite them to showcases your dedication to growth and knowledge-sharing. Proposing joint projects or mentorships encourages collaboration and strengthens bonds. By recommending them to organizations or contacts aligned with their interests, you contribute to their professional development while expanding your own network. Embracing these opportunities not only benefits individual volunteers but also enhances the collective impact of your network.

At our organization, we're thrilled to be crafting innovative social impact experiences that are available around the clock, from any corner of the globe. By utilizing recordings of our students, we offer a unique opportunity for employees worldwide to engage, respond, and offer valuable feedback to our students' projects. This initiative breaks down barriers, allowing companies from all regions to participate actively in creating meaningful change. It's a dynamic approach that fosters collaboration and positive impact, seamlessly bridging different time zones and geographical distances.

I keep a calendar of team mates. I send holiday and birthday messages. I also, ask for feedbacks after meetings. I use apps like WhatsApp where communication is faster.

Staying in touch with them lets them feel seen. It lets them know that you care about them and not just them working for your NGO. A solid point this is!

Yes, I agree with this because this is very important. Following up and keeping in touch will help establish the relationship between the volunteers. To achieve this, get emails, contacts, and social media handles of team members or team leads.

In simple terms, staying connected is like tending to a garden – consistent care ensures it blossoms. Drop a friendly note on special occasions, share your volunteering journey updates, and seek their insights. This nurturing approach cultivates a sense of community, turning your network into a resilient garden of mutual support and growth.

Key to turning a network meeting into a long term relationship is staying in touch, consistency of effort is key! Whether it's a short birthday or special holiday greeting note or a courteous check in, just because - this can help to solidify those initial connections, into highly productive long-term relationships.

Being mindful of the benefits and rewards of volunteering is crucial to stay motivated and continue. Networking and finding the peer group are two of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering.

As you network and collaborate with volunteers in different time zones, it's important to appreciate and enjoy the benefits and rewards that come from these interactions. Celebrating success stories and sharing testimonials not only highlights individual achievements but also inspires and motivates others in your network. Expressing gratitude, recognition, and appreciation creates a positive and supportive environment. Planning future meetings or visits fosters anticipation and excitement, nurturing long-lasting friendships. By embracing the benefits and rewards, you find fulfillment and purpose in your networking efforts, making a meaningful impact on the causes you care about.

I guess even if you forget that there was a meeting at a particular given time and then that person reminds you to join as they already are there. This sudden call for a meeting can make you think it's okay to just give them an excuse and talk to them later sometimes but we should restrain ourselves from doing so as it will give the impression to someone that they are not being taken seriously for and maybe they invested the time in someone who was not worth the call. It happened with me and within two minutes, without any much thought I just joined and asked for an apology as I was late by 5-7 minutes. The other person felt so good that I was able to come and she was the only one who explained to me how people don't join & give excuses.

-By being "An Advanced Pen Writer" through GMAIL. In short, sending a Google email is one of the best ways to stay connected with other volunteers. Phone numbers may be lost from the database or, at some point, phones can be damaged or, more likely, phone numbers will be changed. However, to stay connected and build a network, using Gmail and Google Photos to exchange pictures or Google Chats will be the best option to rely on in order to stay connected, no matter in which time zone other volunteers are living.