Information Technology and Volunteers

The proper use of volunteers is a unique challenge within the Information Technology department. There are many challenges that make utilizing volunteers in this area quite a challenge. Using volunteers for outreach is easy, but here there are concerns of confidentiality and risk. Because of this, use great discretion while screening these volunteers which should always include a criminal background check.

The following are areas in which the Fellowship Church Information Technology department utilize volunteers and in what capacity.

Volunteer Areas
1.0 System & Network Consulting
Desc: To help with architecture and design of new systems and network design
Example(s): To help with the planning of the migration from Windows 2000 domain to Windows 2003 domain. To make suggestions for secure firewall configuration if they are security experts.
Notes: Rarely do we allow the volunteer do the actual work in these areas, but more consult and advise in their areas of expertise.

2.0 Research Projects
Desc: Research technologies or products
Example: Researching the best software package to use to track time and attendance. Or what is a good application to use to manage all of our tape backups that is really in-expensive.

3.0 Weekend Preparation & Support
Desc: To help prepare computers and environment for weekend services
Example: Check each computer used for registration or event checkin and ensure that all is working properly. Checking internet connectivity for all ministry computers. Help with any printing or hardware issues that arise on the weekend.

4.0 Event Checkin
Desc: To help facilitate the checkin and/or registration for weekend events with the use of computer terminals and the FellowshipOne application.
Example: To help with children’s department checkin and registration at touch-screen computer terminals. To help with newcomers registration.

Microsoft introduces weblog service

Microsoft's MSN division has launched a test version of a free blogging service aimed at consumers, its first attempt to provide this popular activity for the mass consumer market.

MSN Spaces lets users create an online journal, post photos and digital music lists. Users can establish different levels of visitor access, customize the blog with a choice of different backgrounds and layout templates, and update the blog remotely via e-mail or a mobile phone.

It also features integration with the MSN Messenger instant messaging service and with the MSN Hotmail webmail service.