Using Video Communication Technologies With Volunteers

Video is a great way to further support your volunteers, and your computer probably already has all of the tools you need to make a video, or to engage in a live video conversation with others. The majority of computers sold today come with built in microphones and cameras, as well as the software you need to make a video -- and even older computers can view most video platforms. In addition, older computers can also run a lot of live event software, allowing for live video streaming and two-way video conversations. More

Volunteers and Anti-Discrimination Law

Federal, state, and local governments have laws that may prohibit discrimination against volunteers, particularly with regard to "hiring and firing." There are two types of anti-discrimination laws that may apply: employment discrimination laws and laws governing "public accommodations." Although the federal laws have been applied to volunteers only in very limited situations, some of the state laws are applied more broadly. More

When to Use Volunteers

Very few organizations are completely volunteer-based. While the question of which jobs should be filled by volunteers is a complicated one to answer, here is a simple, yet powerful, tool to help an organization make that determination. More

Volunteer Profile: Classy Clown Cheers Children

Four-year-old Kylie Hooten watched in amazement as the clown deftly twisted white pipe cleaners into the shape of an angel. Reaching as far as she could, Kylie squeezed his big red nose as "E.P. Chuckle-Berry" belted out a hearty honk. It was a moment of levity for the Fort Worth girl and several other young children who were visiting sick relatives and friends at John Peter Smith Hospital. His volunteer work is therapeutic not only for children but also for himself. Berry, a Fort Worth artist and sign painter, said his older brother, Jimmy, died in a hospital 16 years ago from the effects of alcohol addiction. More

Ten Tips for Delivering Constructive Criticism

Learning how to give feedback and criticism in a way that the person you are talking to will take it in and learn from it may be a leader’s greatest tool for building an effective team. Here are some tips to help you give volunteers the feedback they need and want. More

Find the Best Layout for Your Store

It can be either great fun or a huge chore to lay out a retail store; either way, it's a task that takes some trial and error. The layout of a store can play a major role in enhancing sales. Most store owners take time and plan carefully the most effective layout for their retail outlet and their target customers - even if it doesn't always look that way. More

Make Shop Downtime Productive

Like most retailers, the holiday rush has now died down and you are looking to take stock and regroup for the new year. Here are some tips for taking control of your downtime while creating business for '09. More