BUT WHAT ABOUT.....?
Some answers to the questions frequently asked about the Detroit Executive Service Corps.
- I'd like to help, but we go to Florida in the winter and up north a lot in the summer.
- Are there any financial obligations if I sign up as a volunteer?
- What happens if I don't like the particular project that I am asked to work on? How firm is the commitment?
- I have never dealt with outside groups like this; I am not sure that I could be effective, even though I know my field well.
- What about expenses?
- Will I be asked to work alone?
- Is there much night work?
- How big an area does DESC cover? I don't want to be driving far.
I'd like to help, but we go to Florida in the winter and up north a lot in the summer.
Many of our volunteers have similar schedules. You can fit your work to your availability. We don't expect you to work all the time. The important point is you are in charge of your own time schedule.Are there any financial obligations if I sign up as a volunteer?
Not at all. We want to tap your expertise, not your pocketbook. Corporations, foundations and individual contributors underwrite most of our expenses.What happens if I don't like the particular project that I am asked to work on? How firm is the commitment?
Volunteers are not "assigned" to projects. We try to match projects to your interests and experience. If it turns out to be a poor fit, you can excuse yourself from the project. We honor the word "volunteer."I have never dealt with outside groups like this; I am not sure that I could be effective, even though I know my field well.
This is not a problem in practice, because when the concern exists, we use the team approach. We also provide training and workshops to assist in this process.What about expenses?
Some volunteers absorb minor expenses, such as parking fees, etc., but the DESC policy is to reimburse its consultants for direct expenses incurred.Will I be asked to work alone?
Not necessarily. It depends on the scope of the project and the variety of expertise considered necessary for that particular project. The DESC Director Management Services and/or Project Coordinator are available to assist you along the way.Is there much night work?
Generally not. Occasionally, however, evening meetings are scheduled. The decision to do so is entirely up to you, the consultant.How big an area does DESC cover? I don't want to be driving far.
As the name implies, DESC is a greater Detroit activity. Most of our clients are in the City of Detroit itself. When suburban locations are involved, we try to match up volunteers who live reasonably close to the client. Again, the decision to accept the project is up to you, the consultant.