Volunteer: Put Your Instructional Design Skills to Work for Others

• Call to instructional designers: Don’t set your skills aside when you step out of the office and join the world. Try volunteering—nonprofits can definitely benefit from your skills.

  From analysis to development to communication plans, instructional designers have many useful talents. Your skills can shine even when you are not at work.

  Analysis can be a big contribution to a nonprofit. Most organizations that use volunteers have a mission, but aligning it to their communications, brochures, messages, and activities is harder to do. Branding and message are critical for nonprofits to differentiate themselves from other groups. You can help.

  For example, when you become part of a group, you can do a comprehensive analysis of its communications and training.  You can help them work on such issues as:

• developing the mission statement

• outlining process flows

• understanding their audience

• conveying the proper message

• aligning activities with goals

• resourcing for budgets and fundraising goals. 

Design and development work on logos, print materials, and media can also be a gift. You may have resources unlike other volunteers. Also, strict procedures for media development may not apply in this environment. You may be able to try your hand at integrating YouTube videos, Pinterest boards, social media messaging, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter—without having to check with management.

Indeed, having volunteers tell their story is a valuable way to develop content. You can tap resources and people in a more relaxed environment than work. Bottom line: updating a website, creating a brochure, or designing training for organizational boards and volunteers are activities you can lead to help them—and develop your own skills.

Evaluation is a skill you can advocate for the organization, and you can introduce them to various methodologies and resources. You can become an excellent champion of auditing with your keen knowledge of successful organizations and training programs. You also can share best practices of your workplace with those in your nonprofit.

For example, groups are still using paper surveys in activity packets, but you can introduce them to electronic surveys as an option for reaching their audience. One drawback here is that you do need current email lists, but that is also a goal for your group to work toward (another volunteer opportunity!). 

Case in point

A co-worker who loves the Humane Society knew his best gift would be to volunteer as an instructional designer. He had to explain his skills and what he could do. After several months of visiting the shelter, talking to personnel and volunteers, and reviewing existing materials, the staff was gratified to accept a new, state-of-the-art training manual that he designed and wrote. 

Motivated by his work, I designed an information-mapped puppy-class guide that was easy to read—and easy to update. I also planned a new event packaged with communications, training, posters, and brochures that were all mission-driven.

Finally, another wo-worker teaches a cake-baking class center in the evenings and on weekends for a local craft. She has made YouTube instructional videos for her students to supplement their skills and learn more.

This is just in my Instructional design group. Look around and see where your co-workers are donating their skills. Look around one more time and see what local organization can benefits from your skill set. You have talents not all volunteers will have, so share them.