The same person who is in charge of managing your current volunteer program should also manage the virtual volunteering component. Capture this information at the same time you capture other volunteer information. For instance, add a space on your volunteer application for people to write in their e-mail address. This is the first step in getting the staff used to the idea of using the Internet in the course of their regular volunteer-related activities before you institute a formal virtual volunteering program. The volunteer manager and anyone staff who might work with online volunteers are committed to reading and responding to e-mails regarding volunteering with your organization within 48 hours of receipt.
Online volunteers expect a quick response.
When they don't get one, it reflects poorly on you and your organization. Everyone who will work with online volunteers, and the volunteer manager, must be comfortable using e-mail. You can regularly access the Virtual Volunteering Web site for advice and information on involving volunteers virtually. We think it's important that all online volunteering programs have access to the basic and the latest information about virtual volunteering, for ongoing trouble-shooting and continuous program improvement. A well-organized agency and volunteering program is a key element to virtual volunteering success.