YOUR MATCH GUIDE
OUR TOP TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST CONVERSATION WITH AN IMPACT ORGANISATION
EXCITING TIMES… YOU’VE BEEN INTRODUCED TO ONE OF OUR AMAZING IMPACT ORGANISATIONS! WE’VE CREATED A GUIDE TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THAT FIRST CONVERSATION TO ENSURE YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF IT ✨
DROP THEM AN EMAIL WITH SOME DATES/TIMES THAT WORK
Many of our impact organisations are very busy so it really helps if you can drop them a short email after our Account Manager has introduced you. Include a few dates and times that work for you. We always suggest the initial call is done on a video platform, as this helps to build rapport and make it all feel a little more personal!
EXPLAIN WHY YOU PICKED THE PROJECT
It helps to briefly explain why you want to get involved in the project. Maybe you have the perfect skillset or are passionate about the cause… let the non-profit or start-up know! This is also a good chance for you to mention what you hope to get out of the project. Is this an upskilling opportunity for you or do you want to learn more about the cause? Let the impact organisation know as they may be able to help with this!
MAKE IT CLEAR HOW MUCH TIME YOU CAN COMMIT
We know you are busy people working day jobs, and our impact organisations will always do their best to respect your availability. By making it clear from the beginning how much time you can commit, you can help to set realistic expectations for the project moving forward. It’s worth mentioning if you have a certain number of paid volunteering days and your lifestyle/preferences on when they want to work. Maybe you’d prefer to volunteer in your lunch break or after work etc.
ASK QUESTIONS
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions! This is your chance to learn as much about the project as you can before deciding if you want to work on it.
CONFIRM NEXT STEPS
It might be obvious that this is a perfect Match, and you may decide there and then on the call that you will work together. No worries if this is not the case though, you/the impact organisation may need some time to think about it. Either way, we recommend confirming the next steps.
LET US KNOW HOW IT WENT
Please do let your Volunteer Matchmaker Lindsay know how your conversation went! Let her know if you are happy to work on the project or if you are after something else.