Volunteer Program Changes FAQ

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The following FAQ's are based on information as of December 8, 2008. Please check back for updates!

• Will the Second Life Mentor group be closing?

There is no plan in place to close the Mentor group. The changes occurring in the Volunteer Program are based on a restructure and refocus of volunteer groups.

• When will the Volunteer Program begin accepting applications again?

Originally we had hoped it would be in early January. That is still the goal but it is possible it could be later. We are designing the volunteer program to align with other changes in Second Life. Decisions that can impact the first locations for new residents will need to be considered and possibly require us to take more time to adjust the plans for the volunteer program.

• Is the Mentor group going to have as many new volunteers every month like it did in the past?

No, when applications reopen new volunteers will enter the Second Life Mentor group in smaller numbers. Some of the current Mentors who apply to the new Greeter group may also choose to leave the Mentor group once they are official Greeters. This sort of movement will help us keep the Mentor group at a comfortable level. Both groups are considered "official" so it will be optional to be members of both.

• Why did you remove the roles in the Mentor group? Are you keeping any of them?

The Linguist role and Scribe role will be kept. Please see the following blog post for role changes information. Here

• Are Mentors still able to hold classes at Tenera Volunteer HQ if they do not have the coach role now?

Yes, Mentors can still hold classes and use the wiki to schedule them as well. Mentors do not have to submit class reports.

• Will Second Life Mentors still have access to the Help Islands after the Greeter group is up and running?

No, the Second Life Greeter group will be at those locations. If the resident first location changes later, it is likely that the Greeters will then move to those new locations.

• What can Mentors do if they cannot go to the Help Islands?

If Mentors decide to not become Greeters, they can still help residents at the public HI and public OI as well as at the Infohubs, sandboxes, and welcome areas too. Many Mentors help from their own locations across the grid and that is still a really great way to volunteer.

• Will the Mentor group still have the Renewal requirement?

Yes, Renewals will take place and will be announced to allow at least one month for all volunteers to complete the renewal process. It is possible renewals may be conducted via email every 90 days. If this method is used we will document the process and let you know before it goes into effect.

• Is there any news on the testing plans for group eligibility?

Yes, testing will be part of the initial application process for volunteers. Mentors wanting to join the new Greeter group will also take an additional test and be added to the Apprentice Greeter group for training to gain entrance to the new Greeter group. Tests will be multiple choice and be accessed online. (not in Second Life)

• Will there be any special testing consideration given to those volunteers who speak another language?

Yes. There will be no time limit on the testing to allow for use of translators as needed. (This includes phrasing questions so online translators may be more effective) We cannot guarantee to have testing help in all languages. It is possible we may ask for Linguists to participate and be available via a list on wiki, to assist those who are testing and in need of some translation assistance.

• Is this a last of the big changes?

The Second Life Mentor and Greeter groups are Linden Lab volunteer groups. As the company changes and grows, so will its volunteer program. Our changes are always focused on the needs of the residents and aligned with company-wide goals. Recent changes reflect a tailored focus on new residents and providing new, focused support on the new resident experience. In the future, as needs of the new resident change, or if linden lab focuses change, it is inevitable that the volunteer program will change as well.