New media and volunteer work

New Media and Volunteer Work Introduction New media is a modern term that opposes traditional media, as new media no longer has a controlling elite or media leaders, but has become accessible for all segments of society and individuals to enter, use, and benefit from as long as they are capable and skilled in its tools. New media represents a completely new appearance, not only in the framework of communication sciences but also in all concepts surrounding this emerging type of media, as it remains in most aspects a nascent state whose full characteristics have not yet crystallized. Despite the technological development of new media, it did not eliminate old communication means but developed and transformed them significantly, leading to the integration of different media, which in the past were independent and unrelated, thus erasing the boundaries between these means. As a result, mass communication tools have become characterized by an international or global nature. Media, within a cultural, historical, and civilizational framework, acquires the traits of the era in which it is born and its characteristics. In fact, the information age has produced a new media pattern that differs in its concept, features, characteristics, and means from previous media patterns. It also differs in its broad media, political, cultural, and educational impacts to the extent that some have called our era the "Era of Media," not because media is a new phenomenon in human history, but because its modern tools have reached deep impacts, strong guidance, and significant danger, leading to fundamental changes in the role of media, making it a core element in the societal system. The issue of volunteer work is considered one of the most important topics that have gained a prominent place in contemporary social sciences and social thought, especially due to the transformations and changes the world is witnessing, which have made the volunteer sector highly regarded by all societies and governments. This is because of the development and progress it offers, and this work has become a fundamental pillar in the social fabric of communities, reflecting the extent of individuals' contribution to building a social solidarity system that enhances the state's development efforts and helps alleviate social problems facing society. Therefore, charitable volunteer associations need to employ various media and communication tools to address and persuade the public and influence them, on one hand, and to implement their projects, on the other. Main Goal To develop the skills and knowledge of participants regarding new media tools and their role in volunteer work. Detailed Objectives By the end of the workshop, it is expected that the trainee will be able to: - Clarify what is meant by new media. - Recognize the characteristics of new media. - Understand the tools of new media. - Identify the positives, risks, and negatives of new media. - Explore the functions of new media. - Understand the concept of volunteering and volunteer work. - Recognize the importance of volunteering. - Explore the role of media in spreading the culture of volunteer work. - Study the influencing factors and the role of media in the development of volunteer work. - Conclude the role of new media in volunteer work. Workshop Topics First Session (What is New Media) - Definition of new media - Characteristics of new media - Tools of new media - Positives, risks, and negatives of new media - Functions of new media Second Session (New Media and Volunteer Work) - Concept of volunteering and volunteer work - Importance of volunteering - Role of media in spreading the culture of volunteer work - Role of new media in volunteer work Administrative Instructions and Regulations for the Trainer Training Program Methods: The trainer generally tends to use the following training methods: - Educational workshops - Cooperative learning - Training lectures - Role-playing - Brainstorming sessions Training Aids Used in Programs: - Laptop computer - Data projector - White projection screen - Two flip charts + flip chart stand - Large colored pens - Audio equipment - Transparent tape Required Training Hall Specifications: 1. A nearby mosque or prayer room within 50 meters of the training hall (for women’s and men’s courses, separate prayer spaces are necessary). Prayer times are observed with a break of no more than 20 minutes for prayer and preparation. 2. Suitable, clean, and nearby bathrooms (separate for women and men, close to the hall). 3. Organized, safe, and close parking for trainees. 4. Directional signs inside the venue with the institution’s name, program, trainer, venue, date, and start/end times. 5. The hall should be spacious, clean, with additional space for practical exercises. 6. Seating arrangements should be coordinated with the trainer, with women’s and men’s seats separated according to societal principles and values. Seating can be in a U-shape, V-shape, or circle workshop style with adjustable, comfortable, and movable chairs. The trainer’s position should ensure good eye contact and facilitate movement. 7. Good audio systems with a portable wireless microphone. 8. A table for the trainer’s tools, including the laptop and training materials. 9. A large projection screen and flip chart. 10. Coordination with the hall management to hang explanation papers on a stand or wall. 11. Proper ventilation and air renewal. 12. Good lighting, with white lighting improved. 13. No distracting images or ads that conflict with values. 14. For courses with a TV circle for male and female trainees, ensure the TV circle is ready with two screens (training and video) and wireless microphones for communication. 15. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the hall. 16. Cleaning staff should organize, clean, and perfume the hall before the program and during breaks. 17. Ventilate the hall by opening windows an hour before the start to renew air and oxygen, and periodically during breaks. 18. Arrange trainees’ notebooks and chairs, ensuring they are in good condition before and during breaks. 19. The organizing body and course management prepare a list of trainees’ names for easy introduction and identification. 20. Print trainee cards with the training organization’s logo, success skills logo, program name, and attach them to the trainer’s chest; these are collected at the hall’s entrance and returned after the session for attendance tracking. 21. Hall decor colors should be light and calm. 22. Remove excess chairs beyond the number of trainees, checked periodically. 23. Provide two high chairs for the trainer to be visible during applications and sitting. 24. Ensure a printer is available for printing emergency training forms. 25. A reception table outside the hall for welcoming trainees, managed by the secretariat. 26. A welcoming stand outside the hall with the institution’s name, logo, program, trainer, venue, date, and times, greeting participants. 27. A large advertising board inside the hall behind the trainer with the institution’s name, logo, program, trainer, venue, and date. 28. Welcome and motivational posters at entrances and corridors leading to the course. 29. Regularly check and deodorize, disinfect, and maintain the cleanliness of bathrooms, with welcoming signs for trainees. (See Appendices — Ideal Design for the Training Hall) Catering: A buffet for trainees twice daily, including water, fresh juices, pastries, tea, coffee, cappuccino, and cake (with attention to renewal, innovation, and presentation). Also, place the following items on the trainees’ table, with each trainee receiving: - A large, fresh, cold, original healthy water bottle. - A clean glass cup beside the water bottle. - A new box of tissues on each trainee’s table. - A selection of refreshing candies that melt in the mouth, containing natural sweets to help energize. Training Notes and Materials: The trainer will provide the course booklet to the course coordinator within 72 hours, including: - Course overview - Scientific material - Course exercises These are the intellectual property of the trainer, bearing the Success Skills logo, and should be properly photographed and packaged. The trainer’s name, logo, website, and contact numbers must be clearly on the cover. They should be professionally printed and packaged at the organizer’s expense, with the printing cost deducted from course revenues. Training Program Evaluation and Assessment Methods: 1. Evaluation tools by the trainer and course management: Training is about closing performance gaps, and for the program to succeed, a system of factors contributes to its success: the trainer, course management, services, training hall, training bag, training objectives, trainees, internal and external training environment. Evaluation occurs before, during, and after the course through: - A pre-training needs assessment meeting to identify trainees’ needs and objectives, review the program, and assign tasks (see Appendices — Pre-Training Needs Assessment Meeting). - Daily evaluation meetings after each training day, lasting 30 minutes, involving the trainer, course management, and coordinator, to review feedback and discuss improvements (see Appendices — Daily Evaluation Meeting). - A final evaluation meeting after the course, lasting one hour, to review the overall program and suggest improvements for future sessions (see Appendices — Final Evaluation Meeting). Initial evaluation relies on expectation charts and trainee experience forms (see Appendices — Expectation Chart and Experience Form). Participants fill these out before the training. During and after the course, evaluation depends on observation, measurement, daily feedback forms, and evaluation boards. 2. Evaluation tools by trainees: - Experience forms (see Appendices — Expectation Chart and Experience Form) - Daily and final evaluation forms (see Appendices — Training Program Evaluation Form) - Daily evaluation board (see Appendices — Daily Evaluation Board) - Suggestion box (see Appendices — Suggestion Box) These evaluation tools are reviewed periodically and analyzed using Excel daily (see Appendices — Evaluation Form Analysis). Passing Conditions for Any Training Program: To obtain a certificate of completion, the participant must: - Attend at least 90% of the training hours. - Actively participate in all training activities. - Pass the training assessments designed by the trainer. Regulations to Follow During the Training: 1. The trainer is the team leader of the training program and the head of the group, with the right to request everyone to increase effort and performance. 2. The course coordinator or manager must hold a briefing session with the trainer at least one day before the program, explaining participants’ backgrounds, training needs, main issues, and their social, religious, and cultural backgrounds. 3. Daily end-of-day meetings are held to evaluate each training day, involving the trainer, course manager, and coordinator, to review feedback and improve the next day. 4. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the hall, corridors, and bathrooms, especially for the administrative, marketing, and training teams. 5. All training, administrative, and marketing staff must respect prayer times and perform prayers in congregation with trainees, as they serve as role models. Prayer breaks are scheduled with the call to prayer, and delays or interruptions are not allowed. 6. No one other than the trainer is allowed inside the hall unless authorized by the trainer for the purpose of the program, and the trainer alone has the right to decide on entry.