Hints and Tips
Safety first!
1. Plan to do all of this volunteering online. Use Teams or Zoom or any other tool you like.
2. Do not overcommit. If you can only spare two hours then say so.
3. Be clear about your own boundaries. Be explicit about what you can and cannot do.
4. Enjoy it!
Staying Safe While Volunteering
We want your volunteering experience to be safe, positive, and rewarding. Since all volunteering through our platform happens online, here's how to protect yourself and get the most out of it.
Before You Connect
- Check who you're talking to. Take a look at the person's LinkedIn profile — their connections, work history, and background — before agreeing to volunteer together. A very new profile with few connections is worth a closer look.
- Stay on the platform at first. Keep early conversations on LinkedIn or our site rather than switching straight to personal phone numbers or private messaging apps. It's easier to sort out any issues if there's a record.
- Agree what's involved. A quick outline of what the volunteering will cover, how long it'll take, and what's expected from each side helps avoid confusion later.
Protecting Your Personal Information
- Never share sensitive details like your home address, financial information, date of birth, or passwords — volunteering through us will never require these.
- Consider using a professional email or handle rather than one linked to lots of personal information.
- Be mindful of photos and video backgrounds — they can reveal more about your location or home than you intend.
During Calls
- Use a blurred or neutral video background if you're not comfortable sharing your surroundings.
- Stick to well-known video platforms (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet) rather than an unfamiliar app someone else suggests.
- You don't have to turn your camera on straight away — take your time to feel comfortable.
Watch Out For
- Pressure to move off-platform very quickly
- Any request for money, gift cards, or financial details
- Reluctance to ever get on a call after lots of written messages
- Personal questions unrelated to the volunteering itself
- Being asked to keep the interaction secret
Setting Boundaries
- Agree set times for calls or messages rather than being available around the clock.
- Keep conversations focused on the volunteering itself, especially early on.
- You can end a match at any time, for any reason — you don't need to justify it.
Reporting Concerns
- If anything feels off, let us know at torrit@me.com. We'll respond promptly. It's also a good idea to save key messages or screenshots in case you ever need to raise an issue.
Keeping Your Accounts Secure
- Use a strong, unique password and turn on two-factor authentication for our platform and LinkedIn.
- Be cautious of unexpected links or attachments from new contacts.
- Keep your browser and apps up to date.