Reach – For growing India:

To launch a volunteering program for Tisser’s network, the strategy should focus on creating meaningful engagement opportunities that benefit artisans while appealing to potential volunteers from various backgrounds. Here’s a step-by-step strategy:

Purpose and Vision

• Purpose: The volunteering program should aim to bridge the gap between artisans and volunteers who can offer their skills, time, and networks to support Tisser’s mission of empowering artisans.
• Vision: To create a sustainable volunteer network that contributes to artisan growth through skill-sharing, mentorship, and capacity-building.

Volunteer Program Structure

• Types of Volunteering:
  • Skill-based Volunteering: Professionals (designers, marketers, financial experts, etc.) share their expertise with artisans.
  • Field Volunteering: Volunteers visit artisan communities to offer on-the-ground support in training, events, or project implementation.
  • Remote Volunteering: Volunteers provide support remotely, helping artisans with digital tasks like content creation, online sales, and tech support.
  • Event-based Volunteering: Volunteers assist during exhibitions, fairs, or workshops organized by Tisser.
• Duration and Commitment:
  • Short-Term Projects: For volunteers with limited availability (1–3 months).
  • Long-Term Volunteering: For volunteers willing to commit 6+ months and take on larger responsibilities such as managing initiatives or clusters.
  • Corporate Volunteering: Partner with companies to enable employees to volunteer as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

Recruitment and Onboarding 

• Target Audience for Volunteers:
  • Professionals with expertise in business, design, marketing, technology, and social development.
  • University students and recent graduates seeking social impact experience.
  • Corporate employees through CSR partnerships.
  • Retired professionals looking to contribute their time and knowledge.
  • Local community members who can support artisans with logistics and on-ground activities.
  • Outreach Channels:
  • Social Media Campaigns: Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to recruit volunteers by sharing impactful stories and needs from the artisan communities.
  • University Partnerships: Collaborate with educational institutions for internships and volunteering opportunities.
  • Corporate Collaborations: Develop partnerships with companies for employee volunteering programs as part of their CSR.
  • NGO and Social Sector Platforms: List the program on volunteer-matching platforms (e.g., VolunteerMatch, Idealist) and collaborate with social enterprises for cross-promotion.
  • Application Process:
  • Launch a dedicated page on Tisser’s website for volunteers to apply. It should include:
  • Volunteer roles and descriptions.
  • Application form with details of skills, availability, and interest areas.
  • Guidelines and expectations.
  • Onboarding and Orientation:
  • Conduct virtual and physical orientation sessions to brief volunteers about Tisser’s mission, the challenges artisans face, and how their contributions will make a difference.
  • Create a volunteer handbook with a clear code of conduct, responsibilities, and the impact goals.

Volunteer Engagement and Management

• Volunteer Manager/Coordinator: Appoint a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator who will manage onboarding, training, and provide ongoing support to volunteers.
  • Mentorship and Training: Offer volunteers mentorship and training in areas like working with artisans, cross-cultural communication, and Tisser’s processes to ensure they can maximize their impact.
  • Skill-Matching: Based on the application process, match volunteers with relevant projects or artisans based on their skills and interests. For instance:
  • A designer can collaborate with artisans on product development.
  • A marketing expert can help create social media strategies for artisans’ products.
  • Tech-savvy volunteers can help artisans onboard onto e-commerce platforms.
  • Regular Check-ins and Feedback: Set up monthly check-ins between volunteers and their coordinators to ensure progress is tracked, challenges are addressed, and volunteers feel supported.
  • Recognition and Rewards: Create a recognition program where volunteers are acknowledged for their efforts through:
  • Certificates of appreciation.
  • Public recognition on Tisser’s platforms.
  • Opportunities for standout volunteers to be featured in Tisser’s newsletters or social media.
  • Incentives like discounts on artisan products or invitations to special events.