I agree 100% – having a volunteer in this position is far from optimal. However, we all know that there are many small nonprofits struggling on limited resources who will turn these tasks over to a volunteer. My intention with the post was to say that if you’re going to do it, these are the things you really need to consider and here is how you should go about it. I also agree 100% that this “volunteer” would have to be given intimate knowledge of the organization to capitalize on the power of social media – which is why they have to be treated like an unpaid staff person. A Board member with expertise in social media would be the ideal volunteer because they are personally vested in the mission and the organization.

In regards to your skydiving match, do you have an organization looking for a skydiver or someone willing to voluntarily jump out of a plane for a nonprofit but no takers:-)

But seriously, the point I wanted to make was that your social media is not something you hand over willy-nilly to someone just because the person knows the technology and your staff doesn’t have the time or capability. If someone in a management or leadership position has the thought of getting a volunteer to work in this capacity, I just want them to stop, tread lightly and think everything through before moving forward.

Thanks for your comments!

You really need to have someone who knows the organization’s goals, mission, marketing approach, strategic plans and their target audience. Optimal volunteer… Board member.