For organizations
Knowledge Center: Digital Skills
Knowledge Center: Digital Skills
Making the most of your phone as a volunteer
Your phone is far more than just a device for calls and text messages. As a volunteer, you can use it to make your work easier, more convenient, and more enjoyable.
Your phone is far more than just a device for calls and text messages. As a volunteer, you can use it to make your work easier, more convenient, and more enjoyable.
This article shows you how—no technical expertise required.
Keep track of your schedule
A digital calendar on your phone offers major advantages: you always have it with you, you can accept invitations instantly, and you receive reminders.
- Google Calendar and Apple Calendar are free and work on virtually all phones
- You can maintain multiple calendars: one for personal use and one for volunteer work
- Share your calendar with others when planning activities together
Communicate via your phone
WhatsApp is the standard for many volunteer groups—it’s fast, easy, and always at hand. A few tips:
- Use the mute function if a group chat gets too busy—you’ll still receive the messages, but without notifications
- Use the star function to easily find important messages
- Send a voice message if typing is difficult—it’s faster and more personal
Take photos for your organization
Photos of activities are valuable for social media, newsletters, or annual reports. Your phone takes great photos—here are a few basic rules:
- Ensure good lighting—position people so the light is on their faces, not behind them
- Take multiple photos and then choose the best one
- Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially if children are included
Use your phone for notes
Don't have a pen handy? Use the notes app on your phone. It’s useful during meetings, conversations, or when an idea strikes while you're on the go.
- Google Keep and Apple Notes are free and sync automatically with your computer
- Create lists, save links, or jot down action items
Watch out for distractions
Your phone can also be a source of distraction. Notifications from social media, news apps, and messages can break your concentration—especially during activities or meetings.
Turn off notifications you don't need. It’s not a technical hassle: simply go to 'Settings' and choose, for each app, whether you want to receive notifications.
Next step
Want to get more out of your digital tools? Read the article 'Working with apps and tools' for a broader overview of useful resources.