IDL SIG Volunteer Coordinator’s Report for Q1 2022

By Anita Matechuk, IDL Volunteer Coordinator

I have had a busy and exciting first quarter in my new role as Volunteer Coordinator with the IDL SIG. The IDL SIG has welcomed 5 new volunteers so far this year and expanded the roles of several of our existing volunteers. In addition, we are working on defining new roles and updating the website to include them to serve our members better.

The IDL SIG volunteering options include:

  • leadership roles
  • support roles
  • short term tasks

Most of our leadership and support roles have a one-year term. However, the required time commitment and skills vary between the roles. This variety allows volunteers to find a role to suit them based on their available time for volunteering and experience levels.

Our leadership roles provide the most opportunity to connect with other technical communicators and instructional designers. They require the longest time commitment and the most skills from our volunteers. While we provide any necessary training to fulfill a leadership role, individuals with experience often fill these roles.

Our new support roles provide good networking and training opportunities. In addition, these roles come with smaller time commitments of 1 to 2 hours a month. Matched with a leadership role volunteer, our support role volunteers learn a portion of a leadership role and work in a team environment.

Our short-term tasks or Toe-Dips provide a chance to try volunteering without committing to a term role. In addition, these tasks may provide networking or portfolio project opportunities. Some of our short-term tasks include:

  • creating or updating IDL SIG documentation
  • joining a committee
  • judging a competition
  • planning a special event
  • presenting a webinar
  • writing an article

One of our short-term tasks involves presenting at a First Fridays at 5 (FF@5) event. The IDL SIG created this networking event last year, and the program has been so successful that we only have one presenter position in 2022 still available.

This free-to-attend event allows IDL SIG members to develop and present a short webinar. As a result, the presenters gain valuable experience, and we benefit from them sharing their knowledge. The FF@5s are on the first Friday of every month at 5:00 ET, and we look forward to having you join us.

The Volunteer Coordinator supports volunteers in finding and starting a volunteer role that suits them. Our new onboarding process matches a role to the volunteer’s interests, skills, and available time. In addition, the IDL SIG provides a supportive and mentoring environment for volunteering. Do not hesitate to contact me at volunteers@stcidlsig.org if you are interested in learning more about volunteering with the IDL SIG.