Newsletter

Hello anonymous!

We hope you are staying safe and well. It has been quite a journey over the past 18 months with lockdowns and travel restrictions. Many of us have not been able to travel or host for well over a year, and others have recently joined from different hospitality platforms and found a new home with us. We remain here for you, a member of the hospitality exchange community who values a free non-profit platform that is open to everyone, regardless of the ability to pay. We are also 100% volunteer run. That is why we are reaching out to you with this special newsletter, highlighting some of our volunteer opportunities and inviting you to participate in building our platform as it grows bigger and better. 
 

 

Volunteering

Volunteers are at the very heart of BeWelcome. We have no paid staff, no offices, interns or part time or full time positions. Everyone, from those on the Board of Directors, to those who develop the code and answer member emails are volunteers. They are all regular members of the community, just like you. This special newsletter contains information about how to get more involved and contribute to the BeWelcome project and the BeWelcome community. ​​​​​​​

Why should I volunteer?
Many members contribute to BeWelcome simply by hosting travelers and using the platform to find hosts as they travel. Others want to give something back through volunteering. Without these volunteers, BeWelcome would cease to exist. That’s how important you are – We need you!

How much time per day or week should I volunteer for?
Whatever you can spare. One hour once in a while can make a difference. Some tasks are ongoing, others are one time tasks or projects. 

Who am I volunteering for?
You are volunteering for BeWelcome which is the only project of the non-profit association BeVolunteer. 

I am new to BeWelcome! Where do I start?
If you are new to BeWelcome, welcome. You are joining a community of about 150,000 members around the world.  There are a variety of ways that you can become involved. Whether you are simply interested in helping, or an expert in app development,  we can help you to enjoy contributing in a way that suits you. 

Some groups have a single task, and you may already know the work involves knowledge you have (e.g. by joining the BeWelcome Translators group, you can translate BeWelcome into your language). Other groups don't require technical skills (e.g. by joining the Support Team, you answer queries and questions), while groups like development and communications need prior experience, because some of the tasks are quite complex. However, you will find a lot of help.

Are there other volunteer opportunities?
There are some projects that cut across groups and interests.

• The WIKI update taskforce is a group that is cleaning up and developing the BeWelcome wiki pages. The group coordinates​​​​​​​ efforts to improve the wiki. No prior experience needed.
   
• The BW Statistics task force group discusses and analyses which statistics are needed to steer Bewelcome and utilizes technologies (internal stats, web-analytics, surveys) to procure them. Previous experience is necessary.
   
• The Member Survey Task Force consists of members who set up and analyze member surveys. Some prior experience might help.
   
• Spread the word: Get a t-shirt, a mug or a cap for yourself or as a gift for your host in our BeWelcome Shop. If you have ideas for better designs don’t hesitate to contact the Communication Team.

Specialized Roles

• API (APP) Developers: BeWelcome needs people with skills to create a proper API specification and a native Android and IOS app. If you have some experience, feel free to join the BW Development Projects group. If you know someone who might like to volunteer, please ask them to get in touch by emailing media@bewelcome.org.
• UX Designer: The Design team needs individuals experienced in web design or web apps, with experience in responsive design. As part of the Design Team you will design wireframes, user journeys and mockups. The position doesn't involve hard deadlines, but a long term commitment is desirable.

Listening to volunteer ideas

We are keen to hear from all prospective or existing volunteers that have ideas for projects, and suggestions for ways in which they can offer their expertise to the BeWelcome community. If you’d like to reach out to us or have any questions, please join the Volunteer Group and introduce yourself and your thoughts. We are listening. 
 

A BeWelcome member from Belgium spending some happy hours with his German host in July 2021 when travel restrictions were lifted.
 

Other News

Many improvements have been made and new features added to the BeWelcome platform over recent months: Check them out in the Community News on BeWelcome.

General Assembly:  The General Assembly (GA) is the supreme organ of BeVolunteer, the non-profit that manages BeWelcome. The Ordinary General Assembly takes place at least once a year and this year will take place on November 20th and 21st. 

Biggest donation in BeWelcome history: BeWelcome recently received a donation of €5000 – the biggest donation so far!  We just want to recognize the anonymous donor, who is also a long time BeWelcome member and was a very valuable volunteer for many years.

Galician – A new BeWelcome language: BeWelcome is free and open to anyone, anywhere. We also recognize that many platforms are very English centric, which limits use to those members whose first, second or third languages may not be English. That’s why we have the great Translations Group, where volunteers translate into more than forty languages. You can change your language preference at the bottom of the page. The group recently shared some great news – BeWelcome.org is now available in a new language – Galego (Galician). Very special thanks should go to Jorganes – a translation volunteer, who made this happen very quickly! You can now use BeWelcome fully in 10 languages and work is in progress in more than 30 others. If you are interested in translating into your native language or improving existing translations, join the Translations group.

Get active and update your profile 

• Complete and update your profile: Would you like to meet other BeWelcome members? If so, you should provide them with a first impression by adding a profile picture and filling your profile.
   
• Social Media: You can like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.
   
• Personalize your BeWelcome experience, from notifications to filters, by updating your preferences. 
   

Wishing you happy travels and enriching encounters,

The BeWelcome Volunteers