Welcome to the Team
Congratulations on becoming a FORGE volunteer! You're now part of a global community working to empower African youth.
This guide will help you get oriented, understand your role, and start making an impact from day one.
Volunteer Roles
FORGE volunteers serve in various capacities:
**Web Development** - Build websites for Forge Schools **Design** - Create visual assets and UI/UX for projects **Mentorship** - Guide teen entrepreneurs in Forge Labs **Content** - Write guides, social media, and communications **Operations** - Help with admin, coordination, and processes **Outreach** - Spread the word and bring in new schools/applicants
You were selected based on your skills, but you may take on additional roles over time.
Expectations
What we expect from volunteers:
**Time Commitment:** Minimum 3-5 hours per week **Communication:** Respond to messages within 48 hours **Reliability:** Complete what you commit to **Proactivity:** Don't wait to be told what to do **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and professionalism
**What you can expect from us:** - Clear assignments and expectations - Support when you need it - Recognition for your contributions - A meaningful, impactful experience
Warning
Volunteers who are consistently unresponsive or fail to meet commitments may be removed from the program.
Getting Started
Your first steps:
1. **Complete your profile** in our volunteer system 2. **Join our communication channels** (you'll receive invitations) 3. **Attend orientation** (live or recorded) 4. **Meet your team lead** for your specific role 5. **Get your first assignment** and start contributing
Don't worry about knowing everything - you'll learn as you go. The most important thing is to start engaging.
Communication Guidelines
How we communicate:
**Slack** - Day-to-day communication, quick questions, updates **Email** - Important announcements, external communication **Meetings** - Scheduled calls for planning and collaboration **Project Tools** - Task tracking and project management
**Best Practices:** - Be clear and concise - Use threads to keep conversations organized - Ask for help when you need it - Celebrate wins, no matter how small - Give and receive feedback gracefully