If
you have gotten this far, chances are you are at least
interested in contributing a chapter in the new version
of our e-book!
EXCELLENT!
Now
before you get cold feet, please read on to learn
just how easy it to be a contributor to this project
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
How
long will the article need to be?
Strictly
No More than 500 words
What
if I am not a confident writer?
No
problems. As an editorial team, a part of our responsibility
will be to help all authors get their ideas and experiences
into a succinct final chapter.
What
is the deadline?
We
would need all submissions no later than June
30th 2007
How
will the book be distributed?
As
with version One, the book will be available to download
for FREE in an electronic format via the internet.
The new version will also be available in a hard copy
format for those wishing to purchase a copy. This
is now possible using 'print-on-demand' technology.
Hard copies will be made available 'royalty free',
which mean as the editorial team we will be making
no profit from the venture. This is in keeping with
our original philosophy around the development of
the resource.
Are
there guidelines for submitting a chapter?
Yes
- but essentially only three.
Firstly,
we require that the chapter be no longer than
500 words.
Secondly,
the chapter needs to be your own original work. Where
you cite other sources, these need to be properly
referenced and acknowledged.
Finally,
with your manuscript you also need to send us a brief
bio about yourself. This should be no longer
than one sentence long.
Are
there limits about who can contribute?
No!
We want people from any country and any background,
just so long as they have something worthwhile to
contribute about volunteer program management
Where
do I send my draft and where can I get further information?
All
draft chapters and any further questions you may have
will be addressed by either Andy, Fraser or Rob if
you send an email to magnet2007@mail.com
Will
all submitted
manuscripts be automatically accepted for publication
in the e-book?
No
not necessarily. The editorial team reserve the right
to decline the publication of any article that is
submitted. This may be necessary in cases where the
submitted piece does not conform to the overall theme
of the book (ie. making your organisation 'magnetic'
to volunteers) and where suggestions made in articles
are likely to offend or create a situation we deem
to not be in the best interest of running a successful
volunteer program. In the case that two articles are
submitted on the same theme, we may also suggest that
the authors work together to contribute a combined
article.
Are
there specific themes I should write about or consider?
In
brief, there are no real boundaries other than the
fact that we want you to share the experiences you
have had that made your program successful and 'magnetic'
to volunteers (that is attracted them in the first
place or kept them 'stuck'!)
However,
to aid you in your thinking, you'll find below a list
of the main themes that came out of the first e-book
in 2004
MAGNETIC
PROPERTIES ARE INNATE
It
is how you behave, not your recruitment methods
or management systems, that makes your organisation
attractive to potential volunteers. The little things
really matter. What are the 'little' things
you have put into place in your program that have
made a BIG difference???
REVERSE
POLARITY
Volunteer
involving organisations already have a lot of magnetism.
But sometimes they do things to repel volunteers.
Why not share your experiences about obstacles you
spotted in your agency that you were able to overcome
- and the benefits of you doing so
THE
FORCE OF TWO IS STRONGER THAN ONE
There
is a stronger bond between two magnets than one
magnet and an inert surface (eg. Your fridge!) Attractive
organisations don't expect volunteers to be passive
in the running of the volunteer programme, but give
them a stake which utilises their strengths. What
are the ways you have gone about making volunteers
more active 'players' in your agency?
ATTRACTIVE
PEOPLE
People
are drawn to other people. Tell us about ways you
may have built real relationships with and amongst
volunteers in your programme.
MAGNETS
GENERATE ENERGY
If
you are not excited by your volunteer programme,
and the role of volunteers in society, nobody else
will be. Who and what gives your volunteer
programme its creative energy?
BE
MAGNETIC EVERY DAY
You
can't decide to be magnetic one day and not the
next. Your magnetic qualities must be fully present
all the time. What are the ways you keep your job
as a volunteer manager 'fresh'?
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