Difference between revisions of "Volunteering"

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(New page: = Becoming a Moderator = The first stage in volunteering is usually to become a moderator on your local group. To do this, you can mail your group owner (from the home page), or resp...)
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This page describes various ways you can volunteer to help Freecycle.
 
 
 
= Becoming a Moderator =
 
= Becoming a Moderator =
  
The first stage in volunteering is usually to become one of the [[Moderators]] of your local group.  To do this, you can mail your group owner (from the [[home page]]), or respond to an appeal for new moderators on your local group.
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The first stage in volunteering is usually to become a moderator on your local group.  To do this, you can mail your group owner (from the [[home page]]), or respond to an appeal for new moderators on your local group.
  
 
The requirements to be a moderator vary from group to group.  But generally:
 
The requirements to be a moderator vary from group to group.  But generally:
* You'll need to have been active on your local group for a while.
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* You'll need you to be computer literate, perhaps to have moderated an online forum previously.
* You should be computer literate.  Familiarity with the Firefox browser is also a plus.
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* You'll need to be able to spend at least a couple of hours per week moderating the group.  Some groups have a rota and schedules.
* You'll need access to a computer, and to the Internet (usually, but not always, broadband).
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* Familiarity with the Firefox browser is also a plus.  
* You'll have to be able to spend at least a couple of hours per week moderating the group.  Some groups have a rota and schedules.
 
* You should have good language skills - correct spelling, proper punctuation, complete sentences, and proper grammar are a must. You mustn't type in "chat mode" or "IM mode", or all lower case or upper case.
 
* You'll need the ability to follow instructions.  There are guidelines in place for all Freecycle group moderators to maintain in order to be listed on the main Freecycle webpage.
 
* You should have a positive attitude and the ability to keep your cool when dealing with irate or irresponsible members.
 
* You should have an interest in environmental causes. You know that Freecycle isn't about FREE stuff but about keeping stuff out of the landfills and building community.
 
  
We don't have anything tangible to give to a moderator - it's all free, right? - but it's rewarding nevertheless. You'll be keeping the Freecycle Network ticking over and ensuring usable items stay out of landfill sites to have a new lease of life.
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We don't have anything tangible to give to a co-moderator - it's all free, right? - but it's rewarding nevertheless. You'll be keeping the Freecycle Network ticking over and ensuring usable items stay out of landfill sites to have a new lease of life.
  
 
= Setting up a Group =
 
= Setting up a Group =
 
First, make sure there really is no group in your area.  If there is, it, of course, has priority.  See [[How To Sign Up#How do I find my local group?|here]] for how to check.
 
 
Once you're sure there's no local group already, see [http://www.freecycle.org/startagroup/ here] for more details.
 
  
 
= Other Opportunities =
 
= Other Opportunities =
  
 
Other regional and national volunteering opportunities are open to group moderators, but also to individual members if they would like to offer time or particular expertise.  If you have other skills, knowledge, or experience and time to offer the organisation please [mailto:uk@freecycle.org email us].
 
Other regional and national volunteering opportunities are open to group moderators, but also to individual members if they would like to offer time or particular expertise.  If you have other skills, knowledge, or experience and time to offer the organisation please [mailto:uk@freecycle.org email us].

Revision as of 17:58, 2 October 2008

Becoming a Moderator

The first stage in volunteering is usually to become a moderator on your local group. To do this, you can mail your group owner (from the home page), or respond to an appeal for new moderators on your local group.

The requirements to be a moderator vary from group to group. But generally:

  • You'll need you to be computer literate, perhaps to have moderated an online forum previously.
  • You'll need to be able to spend at least a couple of hours per week moderating the group. Some groups have a rota and schedules.
  • Familiarity with the Firefox browser is also a plus.

We don't have anything tangible to give to a co-moderator - it's all free, right? - but it's rewarding nevertheless. You'll be keeping the Freecycle Network ticking over and ensuring usable items stay out of landfill sites to have a new lease of life.

Setting up a Group

Other Opportunities

Other regional and national volunteering opportunities are open to group moderators, but also to individual members if they would like to offer time or particular expertise. If you have other skills, knowledge, or experience and time to offer the organisation please email us.