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This practice was inspired by the community of Suderbyn.
All four eco-communities in this project have now created a Handbook for Volunteers (in both printed and digital form, including photos) with important information about each place, including:
The Handbook gives Volunteers clarity and structure. Giving them both digital and printed versions empowers them to find some information for themselves, without taking time from others.
Guidelines:
It is important that the Handbook’s information is well-structured, concise and well laid out so that the amount of information isn’t overwhelming. Organising the information by topic and using well-balanced graphic design can help with this. It is also vital to clearly yet neutrally present organisational and/or work rules, as an over-emphasis might give newcomers the sense of an inability to freely contribute as individuals.
What is Needed:
Example: Cloughjordan
This was inspired by the Ängsbacka community and by Cloughjordan Community Farm, and is now also practised by Sieben Linden Ecovillage.
These communities have designed an Application Form with specific questions which generate higher-value information than that typically contained within a CV or application letter.
Guidelines:
The clearer the information gathered from Application Forms, the easier it is to focus on applicants who are genuinely interested in the specific type of work for which they are applying. This saves time for everyone, and facilitates quicker connection during the next stage of live interviews.
It’s therefore important that questions are very specifically tailored to the organisation- and to the type of work – where the applicant will be volunteering.
Pluses and minuses of this practice
Pluses:
Minuses:
What is Needed:
Example: Ökodorf Sieben Linden, Cloughjordan
This practice has been implemented by Ängsbacka, Cloughjordan, and Ananda Gaorii, and is now also practised by Sieben Linden. All conduct Online Interviews with potential candidates to get to know each Volunteer and clarify expectations.
In addition to questionnaires, Ananda Gaorii conducts a whole group Skype/online meeting with the new Volunteers before arrival.
Guidelines:
Pluses and minuses of this practice
Pluses:
Minuses:
This practice has been implemented by the community at Ananda Gaorii.
Facebook or WhatsApp groups give Volunteers who will arrive together a head start in connecting.
Each Volunteer can write something about him or herself and get an idea who their coworkers will be.
Guidelines:
It’s important to ask all of the Volunteers how they feel about having this group, agree on which one they prefer, and follow the consensus of the group.
Pluses:
Minuses:
What is Needed:
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