Around the World in 7 Days 2021 Volunteer Handbook

AROUND THE WORLD IN 7 DAYS 2021

VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK

For seven consecutive days, alumni volunteer to organise gatherings in their local area. In 2021, we invite you to include alumni from around the globe, as well as those closer to home.

As a community, you are profoundly generous with your time and energy. This is a chance for you to flex your creative muscles – and connect with others who know Goldsmiths as you do.

THE RECOMMENDED FORMAT THIS YEAR IS ONLINE* - HERE’S WHY

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It’s pandemic-proofed*. Even when everything else has stopped, we want you to keep connecting with each other. You’ve heard it before, but it’s more important than ever.

It’s accessible. No venue bookings, or contracts. No messing around with elevators, escalators or ramps. No travel time or logistical issues. Guests can simply log into the dedicated virtual space and make their virtual way to your event.

It’s open to all. Whether alumni are in Jakarta, Oslo or Mauritius, they can join as many or as few events from all over the globe as they want. With the new format, alumni can literally go Around the World in 7 Days. No need for a boarding pass.

It’s flexible. Just because it’s an online event, this doesn’t stop alumni from meeting in person to tune in together (provided it is safe and permissible for them to do this).

You can in theory have the best of both worlds with an online event.

The alumni team can provide extra support with your online event. Using tools such as Gather Town, we can incorporate your event into the virtual space we are setting for the week. Your guests will have the same joining instructions.

*If your local government guidelines permit in person gatherings, you are welcome to organise this.

Need some inspiration? Here are ideas from Goldsmiths staff Sights & Sounds • Virtual tours • Show off local landmarks • Show off the history of your area • London-style "pub" quiz with a local theme

Workshops & Performances

Talks & Lectures

• Poetry, knitting, writing or any other type of workshop • Livestreamed performance or gig • Short story reading • Music, comedy, spoken word

• Panel discussion, talk or lecture • Lightning talks or pechakucha • Discussion of local social, political or sector issues

Food & Drink • Cooking / cocktails masterclass, local cuisine focus • Bring-your-own virtual picnic or pot luck • MasterChef style event

Fun & Games • Play games together • Virtual movie night or film screening • Online quiz or bingo • Painting or sketching party

READY TO GO? YOUR PROPOSAL SUNDAY, 11 JULY 2021 ATWSUBMIT 2021 VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK|| DEADLINE: ALUMNI@GOLD.AC.UK

Here is what we will do for you 

Provide 1-1 advice and guidance on your event format, structure and content

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Set up your registration page for you based on your proposal

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Invite alumni to your event, send a reminder email, and a last chance to register email

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Promote your event across our social media channels

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Send final joining instructions to your guests

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Provide you with access to a dedicated virtual space for your event

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Send a feedback survey to your guests

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For online events, provide technical support / tools

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Offer drop-in sessions for you to do a dry run of your event

And here is what you will need to do 

Decide on whether you want to do an event, activity or showcase – and what type

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Think about mingling aids like Gather Town – great if you do a virtual picnic, for example

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Fill in the proposal form. We won’t accept proposals after Sunday, 11 July 2021!

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If your proposal is approved, we will send you the volunteer agreement – sign this

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If you are co-organising with other alumni, clarify who is responsible for what – write it down!

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Use the resources we provide you in the dedicated Goldsmiths Connect group to organise your event and take advantage of the dry run drop-in sessions

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Run your event or activity – and have fun!

Some suggestions from the alumni team 

Think about back up plans. If you are doing an outdoor in person event, what if it rains?

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If you are doing an online event, and your internet cuts out, do you have someone you can trust to carry on the session until you re-join?

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On the day, log in or show up early so you feel calm and in control. Give plenty of notice to your guests if something changes.

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Greet your guests as they arrive. For online talks, do you want to play music as they arrive?

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Take photos (or screenshots!) – these make for great memories and it means we can include pictures in any write ups.

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Be creative! If you want to try something but you aren’t sure, email us: alumni@gold.ac.uk.

READY TO GO? SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL | DEADLINE: SUNDAY, 11 JULY 2021 ATW 2021 VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK | ALUMNI@GOLD.AC.UK