In recent weeks I have been using two online platforms, Taproot and CatchaFire, to connect and provide pro bono online assistance to non-profits in DC, the US and around the world. Both platforms are similar in allowing non-profits to request help online in a variety of areas, either via short, one hour consultations (my preference) or longer pro bono projects over several weeks. The organizations are free to accept or reject volunteer consultants’ interest in “bidding” on their help requests. Once the nonprofit selects a volunteer consultant, he/she is advised by email, and then proceeds to offer possible call dates.
My goals in using these platforms are two-fold: to provide volunteer help to worthy causes, and to use initial pro bono sessions as a segue to possible follow-on paid web design consulting assignments. To date I have completed two one hour consultations, one with a military benefits site and another with a website to support pre-flight training camps for girls. I have pending one hour assessments with two other non-profits via these platforms for later this month.
My methodology for these pro bono sessions is similar to that used for my complementary assessments for any client:
—First, based on the brief help request and background info on the platform, I carry out a quick review of the non-profit’s website and use of social media, noting areas for improvement;
—Second, I send the nonprofit a Google Meet invite and agenda based on my prior analysis;
—Third, we hold our one hour free consulting meeting during which I take notes;
—Fourth, I send a follow-up email to the nonprofit to document the tips discussed in the call, and to share relevant resource links, as well as a link to my consulting website if any interest in paid followup.
Conclusion: my impression so far is that these one hour pro bono sessions are beneficial to both non-profit and volunteer consultant. The former gets free quick tips on improving their organization’s website or social media outreach, as well as ideas on how best to plan longer pro bono projects via these platforms. The latter have an opportunity to “do good” for deserving nonprofits, plus avail of another marketing outlet for possible paid follow-on consulting work. I would welcome any comments here of any subscribers’ own experience with these platforms, either as a non-profit or consultant!
DC Web Revolution 