How Pushy Should I Be?

[violet_helix]

A little over a week ago, as part of Operation: Now-That-I'm-Single-I-Need-to-Expand-My-Social-Network (I definitely need a more concise name for this Op) I sent a message to action AT theatreatfirst DOT org, letting them know I'm interested in volunteering. I'm not at all fussy about how I pitch in, and I'm able to commit one night a week during

Comments

[srakkt]

a and c are probably very good, with more explicit information.

In my experience as someone who was both contacted-by people who wanted to volunteer (and who couldn't fill the roles that I needed at the time) and as someone who's had trouble getting timely responses, pesterding with e-mails a la option a is a good thing.

[dda]

From my extensive experience (ha!) with volunteering, I'm going to say b. That will tell you right quickly if they actually need people since (to misuse a phrase) a volunteer in the hand is worth two in email.

Of course, you will also have to be okay with them saying, "Thanks but no thanks" if it turns out that they really can't use your help.

And speaking of such things, I will send more email asking for contact info so I can ask you to contact people once I have their info. ;-)

[srakkt]

The may also say "thanks but we can't use you right now" which means fall back to option a again.

[dpolicar]

(c) has better-than-even odds of working, most likely when the show is actually ready to go up and they need people to man the house, but if you're looking for a more active role it can't hurt to say that explicitly.

It's entirely plausible that the the prod staff for Never After haven't yet figured out what they need done (among other things, I know T@F has just finished two weddings on the same weekend that absorbed the attention of much of the community, so they may be a little distracted right now), so (b) is unlikely to identify much in the way of concrete tasks. Which is fine, if you don't mind that, but if it's going to be frustrating for you I wouldn't recommend it.

So I would recommend (a), perhaps with the information you add here added.

[violet_helix]

Thanks guys!

I really appreciate getting perspective from those more familiar with the general culture of volunteering and the specific T@F culture.

I'll probably swing by Unity next Monday and see what I can find out.

I just wanted to make sure that wouldn't be crossing the very thin line between being enthusiastic and obnoxious.