<aside> ✨ Volunteers bring Out in Tech to life by creating engaging experiences, building connections within and across our communities, working collaboratively, and representing our values. Whether organizing events, sharing expertise, or opening doors for others, every contribution helps strengthen the Out in Tech network.

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Our Shared Commitments

Volunteering at Out in Tech is a shared commitment. We count on one another to follow through, put our values into practice, and build the relationships, experiences, and opportunities that help our network and your community thrive. These guidelines set clear expectations for working together, while recognizing that different roles and levels of commitment may be right for different people.

Time, Participation, & Commitments

• Average time expectation as a volunteer is 2-3 hours a week
• Chapter leaders are expected to participate reliably in team meetings. If attendance becomes difficult, the team should discuss expectations and whether responsibilities need to change.
• Participate in the events and activities necessary to fulfill your agreed responsibilities. We recommend about 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

Community Standards & Shared Expectations

• Communicate, communicate, communicate
• Understand Out in Tech's mission, values, and community model, and apply them when designing activities and building relationships. Review mission, values, here.
• 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.
• Build Thoughtful Partnerships – Consider a potential partner’s values, reputation, and track record with LGBTQ+ communities. Ask whether the partnership aligns with Out in Tech’s mission and whether our community members would feel safe, respected, and welcome. Look for opportunities to build relationships that bring meaningful value to both our community and the broader Out in Tech network.
• Create Welcoming Connections – Put Out in Tech’s values of Kindness, Knowledge, Belonging, and Joy into practice. Help everyone feel welcome and included at our events. Notice people who may be on their own, start conversations, and make introductions that help others connect. Remember that how you show up reflects Out in Tech and helps shape the community we’re building together.
• Life Happens, Keep us Posted – Life happens, and that’s okay! Just let your team know if you need to step back. Keep your team informed when your availability changes or you need to step back. Stepping away from one role does not necessarily prevent someone from contributing in another capacity.

Developing Your Leadership

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Leadership is something we build together. Out in Tech creates opportunities to learn, take initiative, and strengthen your skills, while you bring your ideas, experience, and perspective to the network.

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• Share Feedback – Your perspective matters. Speak up when something is working well or could be better, and be open to feedback from others. Share concerns with your Chapter Head or Out in Tech staff..