At North-Made, we believe in creating a structured yet flexible process that allows volunteers to collaborate on meaningful projects while respecting their time and commitment. Here’s how our volunteer teams will be developed and how the process will work:
1. Building the Volunteer Network
We maintain a growing list of volunteers, categorized by skillset and interests. Whether you specialize in branding, design, marketing strategy, copywriting, or project management, there’s a place for your talents. This approach ensures we can quickly assemble well-rounded teams tailored to the unique needs of each project.
2. Selecting Projects
Once a quarter, we’ll gather project nominations from the community. These projects will go through a review process where both volunteers and the general public have the opportunity to vote on which ones should move forward. This ensures we’re working on initiatives that resonate with both our team and the community.
3. Assembling the Team
After a project is selected, we’ll form a team of approximately five volunteers, chosen based on the project’s specific requirements and the volunteers’ areas of expertise. Each team will be guided by a senior advisor from the North-Made Project, ensuring they have the support and structure they need to succeed.
4. Client Briefing
The selected team will be briefed by the client and the North-Made advisor to understand the project goals, challenges, and vision. This collaborative session will set the foundation for the team to create impactful work while ensuring alignment with the client’s needs.
5. Allocating Hours
To respect our volunteers’ time and maintain their enthusiasm, each project will come with a defined allocation of hours. This ensures no one feels overwhelmed and allows for focused, high-quality work. Volunteers can dedicate their time knowing their efforts are meaningful and manageable.
6. Running the Project
Each project will be run like a traditional agency project, complete with timelines, deliverables, and team collaboration. The difference? Everyone involved genuinely wants to be there. This passion-driven approach not only creates better results but also fosters a sense of purpose and connection among the team.
7. Delivering Results
At the end of the project, the team will present their work to the client, showcasing the transformation they’ve helped achieve. The impact is real, and the results are a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity.
Why This Model Works
Respect for Time: By limiting hours and running structured projects, we keep things manageable for our volunteers.
Intentional Teams: Volunteers are chosen based on their skills and interests, ensuring they feel passionate and engaged.
Community Impact: By involving the public in project selection, we work on initiatives that matter to the community.
Supportive Environment: With guidance from a senior advisor and a collaborative team, volunteers have the resources they need to succeed.
This structure ensures that every project is purposeful, impactful, and rewarding—for the businesses we support and the volunteers who make it happen. Together, we can create meaningful change, one project at a time.
