<aside> ✨ Volunteers should be ready to: create awesome events related to tech and/or the queer community, engage with their chapter and the rest of the Out in Tech community, work together as a team, and represent Out in Tech.

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General Guidelines

Our guidelines are in place to create a world class experience for both our volunteers and our members. Below is an overview of what is expected; if a volunteer isn’t able to meet these expectations, it may just be an indicator that now isn’t the right time and either shouldn’t commit to a leadership team, or should step down. Being a part of the OIT volunteer family is a privilege, not a right, and it works in everyone’s best interest if all team members are committed together.

Attendance and Time Expectations

• Average time expectation as a volunteer is 2-3 hours a week
• Attend every team meeting in a timely manner, otherwise communicate with your team beforehand if you are unable to attend a meeting. A volunteer should be off-boarded if they miss:
  • More than 2 meetings without notice
  • More than 4 meetings with notice
• Attend at least half of your local events in a calendar year
• Respond within a week to all questions or queries within your chapter/committee mode of communication
• Participate in our bi-annual volunteer refresh; those that don’t respond will be off-boarded

Conduct Expectations

• Communicate, communicate, communicate
• Know Out in Tech - When thinking of events (format, content, location), keep our mission, vision, and core values in mind
• Embody Out in Tech values - Kindness, Knowledge, Belonging, and Joy. Make sure your actions (both at events and with your team) reflect these.
• Code of Conduct - Review and personify.
• Partnerships - Factor in an organizations work/track record with the LGBTQ+ community and think: "Would Out in Tech members feel safe attending an event that's in partnership with this organization?"
• Community Leader - We are a community-based organization that places a high priority on kindness, belonging, and joy (3 out of 4 core values), so please make sure people are comfortable at your events. Speak to those who might be by themselves, and make them feel welcome and included. Always be mindful that you are representing Out in Tech, so keep it profesh.

Growth Expectations

• Continuous Feedback - If you're a volunteer, it means you care about Out in Tech. Don't be afraid to share if something doesn't feel right to you, just tell your Chapter Head (or staff if that's more comfortable for you). Since we care about you, we'll do the same in return.
• Conflict Resolution - If there is any type of conflict, feel free to speak to your Chapter Head. If you would rather speak to Out in Tech staff, do not hesitate to reach out through by email at [email protected].
• Take Ownership - You should feel empowered to get things started, make progress between meetings, and develop new relationships without waiting for anyone's explicit permission to do so - as long as it's within our Code of Conduct.