Frequently Asked Questions The Frequently Asked Questions below provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about WomenOnCall.org.
Should you have additional questions, please feel free to email us at info@womenoncall.org.
What is WomenOnCall.org?
WomenOnCall.Org is a unique online network that connects women with specific volunteer opportunities that allow them to share their professional skills and expertise with non-profits.
Through on-site and virtual volunteer opportunities, WomenOnCall.org members provide short, high-impact, skills-based service, making giving back realistic and efficient.
WomenOnCall.org is a web-based connection site enabling non-profits to find highly professional and skilled volunteers seeking to make a real difference for a non-profit organization. The search begins within service categories based on the needs of both the non-profits and the skills of volunteers who have registered on the site. The connection happens on a one-on-one basis on the site.
How is WomenOnCall.org different from the other sites that connect volunteers and non-profits?
WomenOnCall.org focuses specifically on the high-impact method of matching women's professional skills with short-term volunteer commitments.
Many of the volunteer opportunities available through WomenOnCall.org can be completed virtually via phone calls and emails. Thus, a woman in Portland could volunteer her skills and time to a non-profit with offices in Boston, for example, by drafting a news release about an upcoming event.
How do non-profits get started using WomenOnCall.org?
Non-profits provide their contact information and EIN (also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number). Once WomenOnCall.org verifies the organization's 501(c)(3) status, the non-profit is alerted via email. Once accepted, the non-profit can populate its PROFILE with its mission statement and goals, link to its website, office locations and other basic information.
When the non-profit is ready to reach out to volunteers about a specific opportunity, it can set up an "alert." The non-profit checks off volunteers with the appropriate skills from our list, either choosing a few specific individuals or everyone in a skill category. In the alert, the non-profit then describes what is needed, including details about the estimated length of time required, the goal of the project and important deadlines.
After initiating this outreach, the non-profit awaits responses from the volunteers. Once a volunteer "accepts" the assignment, the non-profit contacts her directly, using the personal email she provides and the relationship goes "offline."
How do volunteers get started with WomenOnCall.org?
Volunteers who register with WomenOnCall.org are required to choose the skills they are willing to provide, as well as describe their experiential background in detail (such as degrees earned, job titles or previous volunteer work, for example). Volunteers can also choose to upload a resume. A non-profit will send an alert to the volunteer, requesting assistance based on the skills she has selected to share, creating a meaningful connection.
A volunteer may also contact the non-profit directly, should the volunteer be interested in the non-profit's mission and area of focus, to see if her skills might meet any current or future needs.
What if I don't see the service category I need?
WomenOnCall.org is eager for all volunteers and non-profits to benefit and will happily add most requests for new areas of focus. Please email us at info@womenoncall.org to request an additional area of focus.
What is "Action Shopping"?
This is a list of non-profits that have current campaigns or ways to take immediate, online action. WomenOnCall.org posts them as a courtesy. Please email info@womenoncall.org if you have a suggestion for Action Shopping.
What is Virtual Volunteering?
Please click here for our webpage describing the benefits of virtual volunteering and how to do it.
What if I am having trouble logging in or have misplaced my user name and password?
If you have lost your login information, please click here and it will be emailed to you.
I'd like to volunteer, but have not received alerts. What is wrong?
First, make sure you have checked all the skills on the list for which you are qualified. (For example, if you are a lawyer, perhaps your experience would also qualify you to edit, facilitate a brainstorming session or assist with board development, etc.) You can also add additional details about your background, experience or qualifications.
Can you volunteer virtually? If you have writing skills, perhaps you can edit a newsletter via email. Check the "virtual" box to indicate to non-profits that you are willing to volunteer virtually.
If these suggestions don't help, contact us at info@womenoncall.org.
I'm a non-profit and no volunteers have responded to my alert. What is wrong?
Try and rewrite the alert to be more specific. (Estimate amount of time the task will take, describe the skills needed in more detail, add more information about the goal of the task, etc.) You could also resend the alert to a larger group of volunteers for more chances you will find a good match.
Can this task or project be completed virtually (via email or phone)? Check the "virtual" box. There may be a volunteer whose skills match your need but who is not located near your offices.
If these suggestions don't help, contact us at info@womenoncall.org.
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