COMMENTARY:
Please, No More Volunteer-Matching Web Sites


 
by Jayne Cravens

Here is a phrase I think I could live the rest of my life without reading or hearing again:

"A new web site has been launched to match non-profit organizations and volunteers."
I think I've read or heard this phrase 20 times in the last 10 years, including twice already in 2005.

If the phrase applied to a country other than those in North America, to the United Kingdom, or to Australia, maybe I would be impressed. If it served a country in Africa or the Middle East, I would be QUITE impressed. But, unfortunately, new volunteer matching services keep being launched to serve the same countries, usually the United States, and offer nothing new. The new sites crowd a field of already-existing volunteer matching sites, most of which are underutilized by volunteer hosting organizations.

Organizations that involve volunteers do not have the resources to use all, or even most, of these volunteer matching sites. They are going to choose one, maybe two, and they are usually going to stick with using only that one or those two sites, as they have invested much time in using such and are probably already well-served by such.

I always wonder: did the people and organizations who keep launching these new volunteer matching sites ever look to see if, perhaps, others already exist?

Please, no more volunteer matching sites for North America. There are plenty. In fact, in my opinion, there are too many. If you insist on launching such a site, I offer this advice:

Even better advice: why not pursue the development of an online resource the volunteer-involving sector really needs! For instance: And if you do launch any of the above activities -- or know of sites that already undertake these activities -- do let me know!

Agree with me? Disagree? Why not contact me?

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