Campaigns to End Violence against Women and Girls - Virtual ...

need to know where to find guidance and support, and whom to turn to in the event that
conflicts arise.
Public events (e.g. rallies) and activists’ kits should be designed to motivate new
campaigners and ensure the campaign message will be passed on accurately and
effectively. Activists’ kits should include guidance as to how activists can enroll new
supporters and strengthen each other, e.g. through local meetings. Where the internet is
easily accessible, e-campaigning provides “virtual” support, e.g. through downloadable
updates to activists’ kits and interactive forums. Further information on Activists’ Kits is
available in Campaign Communications.
Do’s and Don’ts of managing volunteers
DO
� Be clear about what the campaign needs volunteers for – e.g. to collect
signatures for a petition, to conduct outreach activities with the public, to work
telephones and databases for events, to hand out campaign materials, to
mobilize people for a demonstration etc. Every person who signs up as a
volunteer should have a clear role and responsibility (no matter how big or small).
It is better to have fewer volunteers with a definite role to play than too large a
group, where several have nothing to do a lot of the time.
� Develop a volunteer management plan – this should include clear instructions
on who will be the point person or team responsible for coordinating volunteer
activities, communicating with volunteers and providing them with necessary
guidance. In addition, the plan should also include details on what is expected of
volunteers, what information will be provided to them (or collected from them),
what administrative support is available for their use (e.g. telephone lines for
outreach calls, computer access for electronic outreach activities, transportation
to events, etc.), and what actions campaign organizers should take to keep them
motivated and inspired to continue as volunteers.
� Provide early training and orientation sessions – this will help ensure that
activists not only learn about and understand the campaign issue (s), but are also
clear about what they have signed up for (i.e. what is expected of them as
volunteers). Each volunteer should be provided with detailed background
information on the campaign issue (s) and a list of frequently asked questions
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Campaigns December 2011