Working with Youth Thrive Volunteers

Utilize the proposal template provided, filling out all the sections as best you can and removing all example/instructional text

You will be matched with a team of 2-6 youth (aged 15 - 30) volunteers all contributing 90 hours each. This could mean multiple smaller projects or one larger project, depending on your needs. The TCF team will connect with you after you submit your match request to support with more concrete planning

Although most placements are geared toward entry-level skillsets, all ideas are welcome, and TCF encourages you to submit your proposal if you are not sure it is a fit.

Remember that these placements should be flexible - on average, you can expect your volunteers to support for 3 - 6 months to give their 90 hours, but this can change slightly based on the volunteer's availability

The TCF team will help support you in getting set up for success with your volunteers. Be prepared to spend some time with the team getting organized, signing paperwork, and mapping out the expectations of how volunteers will spend their time.

‍Make sure you review the tools and technology the participants will need access to, and that you set them up with the appropriate logins, software, and access when applicable.

You should host regular check-ins for the whole project team, and you should be available if participants have questions throughout the duration of the placement.

Remember that this is a partnership. You or your team should provide mentorship and guidance throughout the project to each volunteer team has the support they need. While they are eager to contribute to a meaningful cause, they may need additional training or guidance to help them be successful in their tasks.

At project close, you should review deliverables and provide feedback on their final submission, on your experience working with each volunteer, and how their volunteer time made an impact towards your company's mission.

You can view each participant who has started your project by going to the “Teams" tab of your project page. You will be included in a group chat with all individuals listed on this page that you can use to connect. You will also be able to connect 1:1 with each volunteer via chat.

You must have a dedicated contact for volunteers to answer questions and provide access to any resources they need throughout the project.

Establish your communication channels early on, and ensure participants are comfortable with the communication tools you’re using

You should schedule regular check-ins with volunteers to monitor progress and address any questions as they come up. Work with your volunteers to determine the best cadence for these

If it is needed, set project milestones on the Riipen platform. Milestones keep projects on track by defining intermediary objectives for participants.

Riipen platform tools to support connecting with participants include:

When participants submit deliverables, you will receive a notification and an email to alert you.

Final submissions may include multiple files and a summary of their contributions during their time.

You will be prompted to complete an exit survey and provide feedback to participants directly on Riipen.

You will be able to provide private feedback to each participant as well as public feedback, which will be displayed on the participant's Riipen profile.

In your written feedback, highlight not just the accomplishments of the individual but also the way they directly contributed to amplifying your mission and cause. This is meaningful work for them, and your feedback is incredibly valuable.

You will also receive feedback from each participant who works with you, which will then display on your Riipen employer profile.