I’ve really enjoyed being part of the Time4Good (T4G) ‘Proof of Concept’, even though I wish I had more time to focus on it.
We launched in Oct 2024, and we end later this month (Feb 2025), with a hypothesis that T4G is more effective than social networks for recruiting, retaining and rewarding micro-volunteers. Our goal has been to prove or disprove this theory.
The journey has had its ups and downs – slow activity and unfulfilled enthusiasm can be frustrating. But then, moments of success make the effort feel all worthwhile.
Last week was one of those moments when we saw impressive early results from our very first T4G circle: Citizens Advice Plymouth (CAP).
Like many charities, CAP has struggled with a decline in traditional volunteering. Finding skilled, committed volunteers has become harder.
Even though T4G launched with no following and no budget for marketing, CAP posted nine requests for support and quickly gained six skilled micro-volunteers, including one from an International Baccalaureate school in the U.S.
What’s most pleasing about this is how T4G has helped CAP recruit micro-volunteers from just 25 circle members (and only 400 page views), far outperforming Facebook where CAP can post to 1,800 followers.
So, unlike social media’s hit-and-miss outreach, the early signs are promising: in that a purpose-driven platform like T4G can attract skilled volunteers far more effectively than platforms with a huge reach.
Proof of Concepts (PoC) are really difficult to execute well. The idea is to validate an idea before investing significant time, money or resources; informing decisions before scaling up. But the truth is, the more realistic the PoC, the more valuable it becomes.
We’ve been really lucky in that sense – Made Open’s software has allowed us to build an incredible PoC, gaining traction.
Next steps for T4G?
Engage businesses. Test other theories. Attract investment.