Frequently asked questions for hosts & organizations
This is the faq page for hosts & organizations on Voluntouring. It was updated the 28/08/2023 If you don’t find the questions you’re looking for, feel free to contact us.
How can I become a HOST?
You can follow the instructions here. Or write us an e-mail.
How can I register my organization?
You can follow the instructions here. Or write us an e-mail.
Is there a fee to publish an announcement on Voluntouring.org?
While it is generally free to publish an announcement on our site, we do request a voluntary contribution under certain circumstances. You might consider making a contribution if you:
- Represent a commercial entity.
- Request more than 4-5 hours of work daily for 5-6 days a week.
- Do not offer full board, i.e., both food and accommodation.
- Your organization or business charges volunteers a fee.
If these conditions apply to you, the voluntary contribution typically stands at 50โฌ for advertising a program, or 150โฌ for advertising a web platform.
You can publish an announcement for free if you meet the following criteria:
- Provide free food and accommodation: Your listing should offer free food and accommodation to volunteers in exchange for 4-5 hours of work per day, 5-6 days per week. This arrangement ensures a fair exchange and transparency for both hosts and volunteers.
- Represent a non-profit organization, organic farm, or ecological community: Your announcement must represent a non-profit organization, an organic farm, or a community. These types of initiatives align with the values of our platform, fostering meaningful volunteer experiences.
- No fees charged to volunteers: You should not charge any fees to volunteers. Keeping the volunteering opportunity fee-free enhances accessibility and supports the spirit of collaboration within our community.
By fulfilling these criteria, you can publish your announcement for free and attract volunteers who share your passion for meaningful engagement and contribution.
How long will my listing remain online?
Your listing will stay online indefinitely, as long as our platform remains operational and your need persists. If you ever wish to remove your listing from our database, simply send us a message, and we’ll promptly handle its removal.
Please note, that over time, older listings may get pushed to the end of the list and become less visible. We recommend checking its position occasionally. If you wish to refresh its visibility, reach out to us to bring your listing back to the top. This service is typically free, especially for hosts offering the standard exchange of food and accommodation to volunteers at no charge.
What does your announcements service offer?
Our announcement service provides a powerful platform for reaching an enthusiastic community dedicated to international development and volunteer work. Here’s what our basic service package entails:
- Project exposure: We feature your project in our database, enhancing its visibility to our extensive user base.
- Social media promotion: We amplify your project’s reach by promoting it via curated posts on our social media platforms.
- No-Follow Links: For a symbolic donation, we include no-follow links in your announcement, helping to maintain the integrity of your online presence.
Can my non-profit organization apply for your fundraising programs?
At present, we aren’t equipped to assist with fundraising. However, we’d love to hear about your solidarity projects. There’s potential for us to support or offer guidance in the near future.
Do you offer volunteer selection and filtering as a service?
Absolutely! Upon request, we offer volunteer selection and filtering tailored to your needs.
By default, we list the contact details of hosts in each announcement, enabling volunteers to connect directly. However, for those who desire a more streamlined process, our Voluntouring team can manage volunteer requests. We can integrate an application form with the announcement or use a dedicated intermediation email. Our team will carefully assess each volunteer profile, ensuring they match the specific requirements of the host or organization.
If this service aligns with your needs, please indicate so during your organization’s registration. Be aware that a contribution fee may be associated with this service. For further details, reach out to us at voluntouring.freelist@gmail.com.
ย I am a host and have published a listing on Voluntouring. Why are my contacts not displayed?
In recent years many hosts from Europe have received spam messages – if we feel you belong to an area at risk of receiving spam messages we might hide your contact details. Volunteers will receive your contact details privately through our email instead.
How long should I/we expect to wait before receiving applications from potential volunteers?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide an exact timeline or predict when volunteers will apply to your programs. As an online platform, we offer visibility and exposure to potential volunteers, but the actual response rate and timing vary based on multiple factors.
However, we can provide you with some information about our current website views and statistics (as of today, 31/06/2023):
- We receive approximately 25,000 to 30,000 monthly visitors to our website.
- Our 1st Facebook group has 37,006 members.
- Our 2nd Facebook group has 20,486 members.
- We have around 11,000 followers on our fan page.
- Our Instagram account has approximately 2,500 followers.
These numbers demonstrate positive growth trends since January 2018, indicating an expanding audience and potential reach for your programs.
Please keep in mind that the number of applications you receive depends on various factors such as the specific nature of your programs, location, timing, costs, and individual volunteer preferences. We recommend maintaining good communication, providing detailed and appealing program information, and being patient as volunteers find and connect with opportunities that align with their interests and availability.
If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help you make the most of our platform and maximize your chances of attracting suitable volunteers.
Also here’s a short guide on how to attract volunteers for your cause.
I am not receiving any volunteers or have yet to be contacted by any. What can I do?
If you are seeking more volunteers or experiencing a lack of candidates, there are a few steps you can take to increase visibility and attract potential volunteers:
- Contact us for promotion: Please reach out to us, and we will gladly promote your announcement on our social media pages and pin it on the homepage of our website for approximately one month. This additional exposure can help generate more interest and potentially attract volunteers to your opportunity.
- Share your ideas: If you have any other suggestions or ideas on how we can assist you further, please don’t hesitate to share them with us. We are open to exploring different ways to support your efforts in connecting with volunteers.
However, note that we cannot guarantee the success of volunteer applications. The decision to volunteer and choose specific opportunities lies with the volunteers themselves. While we provide a platform to facilitate connections, the choice ultimately rests with the volunteers. We do not recruit volunteers or have the ability to “force” them to select your opportunity.
We encourage you to review and optimize your program description, ensure clear communication, and showcase the unique aspects of your opportunity. Being patient and allowing sufficient time for volunteers to discover and evaluate different opportunities can also contribute to a successful outcome.
If I have made a donation to your web project but haven’t received any volunteers, is it possible to request a refund?
Currently, we do not offer donation refunds. However, we are open to examining each situation on a case-by-case basis. We value your support and contributions to our web project, and we are committed to continuously improving our services to ensure a positive experience for all users. If you have any specific concerns or queries regarding your donation, please contact us, and we will do our best to address them accordingly.
Can I edit my listing?
Absolutely. To make changes, simply send us an email with either the link to your listing or the title of your announcement, and we’ll assist you promptly.
Can my listing be removed?
Certainly. If you reach the maximum number of volunteers or are unsatisfied with our service, please inform us. We can either remove or temporarily hide your announcement based on your preference.
Why are there ads running through my announcement?
We are relying on online advertisements in order to face yearly expenses. Donations or other institutional support might help us get rid of the ads in the future.
How can I increase the visibility of my announcement?
Here are a few suggestions:
- Email us to request a repost: Reach out to us via email, and we will be happy to repost your announcement on our social media channels and forums. Please note that this can be done once per month to ensure fairness and variety for all announcements.
- Ask to appear on a fixed space or banner: This will provide a prominent position for your announcement, attracting more attention from potential volunteers.
- Share your proposals and ideas: We are open to hearing your proposals and new ideas for increasing the visibility of your announcement. Feel free to reach out to us and discuss any innovative strategies you have in mind.
By utilizing these options, you can enhance the visibility of your announcement and attract a wider audience of volunteers.
What should I do in case of a negative experience with a volunteer?
By posting a volunteer advertisement on our website, you assume the responsibility for carefully evaluating and selecting volunteers, as well as ensuring their suitability for the task at hand. It is crucial to exercise due diligence in assessing their qualifications, experience, and character.
Moreover, we strongly recommend establishing clear guidelines and protocols to minimize any potential risks during the volunteer engagement. This includes providing proper training, outlining safety procedures, and maintaining open communication channels throughout the duration of the exchange.
We strive to provide a platform that fosters positive and fruitful volunteer experiences, but it is essential to acknowledge that unforeseen circumstances can arise. Hence, we encourage all parties involved to maintain open lines of communication and address any concerns promptly.
In the event that any issues or conflicts do arise, we will do our best to mediate and facilitate a resolution. However, our role is limited to providing a platform for connecting volunteers and hosts, and we do not assume liability for any direct or indirect consequences of the volunteer’s actions. We will not be held responsible for any damages caused to the host or other members of the volunteer exchange by the volunteer. (Also read the volunteer disclaimer).
Please remember that the safety and well-being of all participants are paramount. We encourage open communication, responsible decision-making, and mutual respect to ensure a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in fostering a productive and safe volunteer environment.
What should I do to prevent a negative experience with a volunteer?
To prevent a negative experience with a volunteer, we suggest taking the following steps:
- Prioritize pre-visit communication: Before the volunteer’s arrival, we recommend hosts to schedule a video call, such as a Zoom meeting, with the volunteer. This allows you to have a direct conversation, get to know them better, and discuss their philosophy, skills, lifestyles, and expectations. Effective communication upfront can help prevent potential issues or misunderstandings.
- Gather information: It is advisable for hosts to accumulate as much information as possible about the volunteers before their arrival. This includes their background, experiences, references, and any other relevant details. This information can give you a better understanding of the volunteer and help ensure a more compatible match.
- Take responsibility as a host: As a host, it is your responsibility to ensure the well-being and safety of the individuals you welcome into your home. This principle applies not only to our platform but also to any other host list. Maintain open lines of communication, address concerns promptly, and set clear expectations to create a positive experience for both you and the volunteer.
In most cases, good communication and thorough preparation can help prevent negative experiences. However, if an issue arises despite your efforts, please contact our support team for further assistance in resolving the situation.
