Aims of the activity and description of target group
This activity sensitizes the participants to the special situation and the vulnerability of the volunteers. The activity gives inspiration how participants create a space where volunteers feel safe. The activity is suitable for researchers and citizens in a group or individual learning setting. Session #1 - #2 and activity 3 of this session should be carried out beforehand. Participants should have participated in a Citizen Science project themselves.
Resources, Materials needed
- Paper, pen, color pencils
- Results from Part 2, Activity 4 "Meet your audience"
Duration
60 minutes
Step 1 – Your personal experience (20 minutes)
Take a sheet of paper and give it the heading "What made me feel safe?". Think about when you yourself looked for a Citizen Science project and when you actually took part in the project. Write down all the things that made you feel safe.

Take another sheet of paper and give it the heading "What made me feel insecure". Write down all the things you remember that made you unsure whether you should choose a project or really take part.

Step 2 – Listen to volunteers reporting about their experience (10 minutes)
Listen to the following reports from volunteers about their participation in a Citizen Science project:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGqSmRIxLnQ (Citizen Scientist Volunteer: Patty Steffen, YoutTube)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlGs4QyuNdY (Citizen Science: Volunteering, YoutTube)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26RtAcLUjE0 (Citizen Science and Air Pollution Monitoring, YoutTube)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ83G0rqi8s (Citizen Scientist, Origami, Virtual Reality, and more! | Simply Science, YoutTube)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz05GFpnl2U (Science Communication in Action – Citizen Science Project, YoutTube)
What suggestions can you take on board for your project?
Step 3 – Volunteers physical safety (10 minutes)
Let's take a look at the physical safety of the volunteers. Take a sheet of paper and give it the heading "Physical". Divide it into two halves.

Add the threats and hazards that the volunteers may be exposed to. Think about the location, equipment, natural hazards such as exposure to sunlight, getting lost in remote places, handling chemicals or contact with animals and include them on the left side of the paper.

Now add on the right-hand side what measures could protect your volunteers from the hazards, e.g. sun or eye protection, gloves, people watching out for safety, instructions on the hazards...

Step 4 – Volunteers mental safety (10 minutes)
Take another sheet of paper and give it the heading "Psychological". Divide it into two halves.

Now think about which psychological aspects could threaten or unsettle the volunteers, e.g. that they make mistakes, lack confidence in their skills, do not open up to certain topics, etc. Enter these points on the left-hand side of the paper.

Now add on the right-hand side which measures can protect the volunteers from the risks or give them more security. For example:
- Transparency about how the project works
- Clarity about the requirements
- The opportunity to try things out first.
- Mutual review of results
- …

Take these aspects into account in your further planning and in the design of your information material and project setup. Create a cheat sheet on how to create a positive working atmosphere for volunteers and give them an exit option at any time.
Step 5 – Rewarding volunteers (10 minutes)
To recognize the contribution of volunteers, consider what might make them feel valued. Here are some ideas:
- Hand them out a participation certificate.
- Organize vouchers or goodies from a local store.
- Organize goodies, like buttons, badges, bags or stickers.
- Ask for permission to take photos and include it in reporting.
- Ask for permission to include them in a video about the project.
- Invite them to the project presentation or let them take part in the presentation.
- Put up a wall where participants can note down their names and thoughts about the project.
- Provide free food and drinks.
- Sent an e-mail after the project, inform about the progress and thank them for participation.
- Set-up a photo booth where volunteers can take photos for Social Media.
- If you have enough budget, reward them financially
Learning Outcomes - which skills are addressed?
You have learned to put yourself in the volunteers' shoes, assess risks and define protective measures. You have worked out how you can thank the volunteers for their participation.
How do you check the outcomes are reached?
The participants have a list of measures that they want to implement so that the participants feel safe and comfortable in the project.
De-Briefing questions
- Do you feel well enough prepared to welcome your volunteers to the project?
- In which areas are you unsure?
- Where could you get further support to make the participants feel safe?
Further links and readings
- Bulcock, J. (2022): A quick guide to running research interviews. https://medium.com/@JeniferBulcock/a-quick-guide-to-running-research-interviews-92802c95d7b4 (last viewed 04/19/2024)
- Emergo: 5 Tips to Ease Nervous Participants During Product Evaluations. https://www.emergobyul.com/resources/5-tips-ease-nervous-participants-during-product-evaluations (last viewed 04/19/2024)
- Kumar, P. (2022): Tips and Techniques for Making Participants Comfortable During Your User Research. https://www.myparticipants.com/blog/tips-and-techniques-for-making-participants-comfortable-during-your-user-research-studies (last viewed 04/19/2024)
- Tsai, A. et al. (2023): Leading Volunteer Motivation: How Leader Behaviour can Trigger and Fulfil Volunteers’ Motivations https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11266-023-00588-6 (last viewed 04/19/2024)