Freegle Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

ModTools Functions

2022-10-24T08:56:22Z

Derek Cole: /* Spammer list */

This is one of the personal crib sheets used by Vee Martin, Mentor, when training new moderators. The views expressed within this and her other two crib sheets are her own. The other two crib sheets are [[Moderating a Post]] and [[Problematic Posts]].

A brief summary of ModTools functions

=== Dashboard ===

==== Messages ====

===== Pending =====
- messages from moderated members and where you’ll do most of your work as a mod. A pink shape with a number in it indicates how many messages want moderating. The pink shape will appear wherever on the dashboard something needs to be done.

===== Approved =====
- occasionally you’ll come across a message from an unmoderated member that is wrong and needs attention. Messages can now be edited even if they are on the board. If an edit is needed it is often simpler to do it yourself and advise the member that you have done it, but ideally we should be encouraging members do it themselves. If it’s a minor infringement you should contact the member via a standard message and remind them of the rules, eg reposted too soon. If it’s a major infringement you should inform the member why, eg offering goods for sale, and delete the post using a standard message.

===== Review =====
- this is where a message has been flagged up by the server because it contains something questionable. It might be a worry word, something illegal perhaps or possible spam. Worry words are often just false alarms, such as balls, which can be an innocent offer of golf balls for instance rather than porn. If it’s not a legitimate worry the post can be released. MTs has very good spam filters but you will occasionally come across a spam message. These are usually where a member’s email address has been hacked and contain a web address which often leads to a porn site. You should use a standard message to inform the member and delete the post if that is the case.

===== Edits =====
- fairly self explanatory. If you click on it you’ll see when a member has Edited their post, it then comes through this section for Approval (or not).

==== Members ====

===== Pending =====
- most groups auto-approve members so you would only use this button if your group has special rules which require investigation before approval eg details of addresses to ensure they live in the catchment area. It requires a lot less work for mods to have every application auto-approved and to pick up those who live outside the catchment area when they first post though.

===== Approved =====
- this will show a list of all approved members and is useful if you want to search for someone.

===== Member review =====
- members are flagged up by the server if there is something about their membership of a group which is suspicious. A pink bar will tell you why they have been flagged and the instructions in blue at the top of the page will offer suggestions about what to do. The most frequent use of the review is for multi-joiners. Many groups do not allow people to join a multitude of groups especially if they are over a wide geographical distance. Consult your group rules and fellow mods about their policy on this.

===== Chat review =====
- unlike other spam this will come up quite often because the filters are sent to catch any mention of money, addresses etc of which there is quite a lot in chat as people arrange pick-ups, compare notes re costs, offer to pay petrol etc. You need to click on ‘View chat’ to see the context. Mostly these so-called spam chats are actually perfectly legitimate arrangements between members and should be approved ie select ‘Not Spam’. You have the option to add notes to either member where you feel it is appropriate or to the chat itself. Use sparingly or you will give members the impression big brother is watching them! Mark as ‘Spam’ anything that is obviously so and not part of a conversation between members - usually a web address on its own. Whitelisting is where the same chat keeps getting caught up in the spam filters when it is plainly legitimate, and will avoid this happening in future.
One problem which occurs from time to time is where a member tells another that the free item has gone but they have one to sell. As all offers on Freegle have to be made freely this is against the rules. The easiest option here is just to delete the Chat. However, you might wish to inform the offending member that this against the rules before you do so. If you add a moderator note to the Chat (make sure you pick the right member to send it to) before you delete it I think it goes straight to that person regardless of whether or not you have released the Chat. The alternative is to send a message to the member via a blank standard message (see later handout on moderating) and also to mark their ‘card” as a seller.

===== Related =====
- the instructions which come up when you click on this explain what this function is about. Unless you select ignore you can invite members to combine different email addresses where it is appropriate.

===== Stories =====
- some members like to make positive comments about how Freegle worked for them, which can then be published. You have editing rights.

===== Feedback =====
- shows the comments members have made regarding the success or otherwise of their posts. Some groups make a point of following up unhappy members to see what might be improved.

===== Notes =====
- this is a list of notes made about the members of your group. The instructions are at the top in blue.

==== Events ====

This is where members can advertise local events. These need approval by a mod before they are published. Local groups have their own rules about these but generally they should be relevant to the area and have some (loose) connection to recycling.

==== Volunteering ====

Should be relevant to the group’s area but no hard and fast rules about other relevancies. Need mod approval before they go on the group’s Freegle page.

==== Publicity ====

Most groups have links to Facebook and Twitter. These are centrally composed fliers which may or may not be relevant to your group’s area and which, if approved, will go onto your group’s social media pages. Remember to hide them if not relevant.

==== Admins ====

Shows all admins sent out to group members in the past. Not for beginners as need approval from all group mods usually. A new addition is that centrally approved admins are now being sent out periodically. You can decide whether or not these are appropriate for your group, the options being Approve and Send, Save Changes if you want to edit an admin first, and Delete if you don’t want to send it at all.

==== Spammer list ====

Not really for beginners. This is where reported members that have found to have been spamming are kept, get information about them and see who has been whitelisted ie exempted. Beginners should seek advice from other more experienced mods or their mentor if they feel they have come across a spammer.

==== Logs ====

These list all actions by both members and mods in your group either by message or by membership. Very useful if you want to search for who did what and when eg what a fellow mod did when you were not on duty which requires follow up.

==== Settings ====

You set your own personal settings when you first start to use MTs. Community settings and Standard Messages should not be altered by beginners in any way.

==== Teams ====

Info about who’s who centrally. A bit out-of-date now.

==== Help ====

This brings you here! If you can't find the help you want on this page or the links provided, ask on Discourse (click 'Us' on the top ModTools menu) to ask your question and/or to ask for more information to be included here.

=== Chats - the speech bubble ===

You’ll find the speech bubble at the top right of the dashboard. You can chat here to anyone in a group of which you are a member. If you look to the left of the chat window you will see there is already a slot for your group mods. We encourage members to use Chat to arrange their transactions. You will only see this though if possible spam is flagged up (see 2 above). What you will also see is a copy of any message you send to a member using the standard messages, though occasionally they do go walkabout I’m afraid and at the moment they do not appear for Trashnothing users. Any reply from a TN member will do however. If that member wants to discuss the contents of your message you can chat here about it. Chat on ModTools works in the same way as that on Freegle Direct except for the flagging up of possible spam.

There are lots of other functions which as a beginner you don’t really need to know about. Indeed some moderators never learn to use them! By all means look at them but don’t change anything without the go-ahead from your group owner or mentor.

=== Discourse - the Us icon ===

As mentioned above, you are automatically joined as a new mod. Discourse is a rather complicated piece of software for groups and is not at all user friendly in my opinion. You can alter your preferences for how often you receive notifications, emails etc from the various central Freegle groups, although you may find it easier to read any new messages on the web as finding the right preferences for yourself is not at all easy.

VMM Aug 2020

=== Links: ===
*[[Discourse]] - information and links for all the central discussion groups, offering help and support for all volunteers
*[https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/images/Training_manual_for_modtools_2020.pdf Mentors' Training Manual for Modtools]
*[[ModTools]]
*[[Recruiting, Training and Retaining]]
*[[New Group Owner Training Step 1]]

[[Category:Recruit/Train/Retain]]

ModTools Functions

2022-05-04T10:52:56Z

Derek Cole: /* Edits */

This is one of the personal crib sheets used by Vee Martin, Mentor, when training new moderators. The views expressed within this and her other two crib sheets are her own. The other two crib sheets are [[Moderating a Post]] and [[Problematic Posts]].

A brief summary of ModTools functions

=== Dashboard ===

==== Messages ====

===== Pending =====
- messages from moderated members and where you’ll do most of your work as a mod. A pink shape with a number in it indicates how many messages want moderating. The pink shape will appear wherever on the dashboard something needs to be done.

===== Approved =====
- occasionally you’ll come across a message from an unmoderated member that is wrong and needs attention. Messages can now be edited even if they are on the board. If an edit is needed it is often simpler to do it yourself and advise the member that you have done it, but ideally we should be encouraging members do it themselves. If it’s a minor infringement you should contact the member via a standard message and remind them of the rules, eg reposted too soon. If it’s a major infringement you should inform the member why, eg offering goods for sale, and delete the post using a standard message.

===== Review =====
- this is where a message has been flagged up by the server because it contains something questionable. It might be a worry word, something illegal perhaps or possible spam. Worry words are often just false alarms, such as balls, which can be an innocent offer of golf balls for instance rather than porn. If it’s not a legitimate worry the post can be released. MTs has very good spam filters but you will occasionally come across a spam message. These are usually where a member’s email address has been hacked and contain a web address which often leads to a porn site. You should use a standard message to inform the member and delete the post if that is the case.

===== Edits =====
- fairly self explanatory. If you click on it you’ll see when a member has Edited their post, it then comes through this section for Approval (or not).

==== Members ====

===== Pending =====
- most groups auto-approve members so you would only use this button if your group has special rules which require investigation before approval eg details of addresses to ensure they live in the catchment area. It requires a lot less work for mods to have every application auto-approved and to pick up those who live outside the catchment area when they first post though.

===== Approved =====
- this will show a list of all approved members and is useful if you want to search for someone.

===== Member review =====
- members are flagged up by the server if there is something about their membership of a group which is suspicious. A pink bar will tell you why they have been flagged and the instructions in blue at the top of the page will offer suggestions about what to do. The most frequent use of the review is for multi-joiners. Many groups do not allow people to join a multitude of groups especially if they are over a wide geographical distance. Consult your group rules and fellow mods about their policy on this.

===== Chat review =====
- unlike other spam this will come up quite often because the filters are sent to catch any mention of money, addresses etc of which there is quite a lot in chat as people arrange pick-ups, compare notes re costs, offer to pay petrol etc. You need to click on ‘View chat’ to see the context. Mostly these so-called spam chats are actually perfectly legitimate arrangements between members and should be approved ie select ‘Not Spam’. You have the option to add notes to either member where you feel it is appropriate or to the chat itself. Use sparingly or you will give members the impression big brother is watching them! Mark as ‘Spam’ anything that is obviously so and not part of a conversation between members - usually a web address on its own. Whitelisting is where the same chat keeps getting caught up in the spam filters when it is plainly legitimate, and will avoid this happening in future.
One problem which occurs from time to time is where a member tells another that the free item has gone but they have one to sell. As all offers on Freegle have to be made freely this is against the rules. The easiest option here is just to delete the Chat. However, you might wish to inform the offending member that this against the rules before you do so. If you add a moderator note to the Chat (make sure you pick the right member to send it to) before you delete it I think it goes straight to that person regardless of whether or not you have released the Chat. The alternative is to send a message to the member via a blank standard message (see later handout on moderating) and also to mark their ‘card” as a seller.

===== Related =====
- the instructions which come up when you click on this explain what this function is about. Unless you select ignore you can invite members to combine different email addresses where it is appropriate.

===== Stories =====
- some members like to make positive comments about how Freegle worked for them, which can then be published. You have editing rights.

===== Feedback =====
- shows the comments members have made regarding the success or otherwise of their posts. Some groups make a point of following up unhappy members to see what might be improved.

===== Notes =====
- this is a list of notes made about the members of your group. The instructions are at the top in blue.

==== Events ====

This is where members can advertise local events. These need approval by a mod before they are published. Local groups have their own rules about these but generally they should be relevant to the area and have some (loose) connection to recycling.

==== Volunteering ====

Should be relevant to the group’s area but no hard and fast rules about other relevancies. Need mod approval before they go on the group’s Freegle page.

==== Publicity ====

Most groups have links to Facebook and Twitter. These are centrally composed fliers which may or may not be relevant to your group’s area and which, if approved, will go onto your group’s social media pages. Remember to hide them if not relevant.

==== Admins ====

Shows all admins sent out to group members in the past. Not for beginners as need approval from all group mods usually. A new addition is that centrally approved admins are now being sent out periodically. You can decide whether or not these are appropriate for your group, the options being Approve and Send, Save Changes if you want to edit an admin first, and Delete if you don’t want to send it at all.

==== Spammer list ====

Not really for beginners. This is where you report members you think are spamming your group, get information about them and see who has been whitelisted ie exempted. Beginners should seek advice from other more experienced mods or their mentor if they feel they have come across a spammer.

==== Logs ====

These list all actions by both members and mods in your group either by message or by membership. Very useful if you want to search for who did what and when eg what a fellow mod did when you were not on duty which requires follow up.

==== Settings ====

You set your own personal settings when you first start to use MTs. Community settings and Standard Messages should not be altered by beginners in any way.

==== Teams ====

Info about who’s who centrally. A bit out-of-date now.

==== Help ====

This brings you here! If you can't find the help you want on this page or the links provided, ask on Discourse (click 'Us' on the top ModTools menu) to ask your question and/or to ask for more information to be included here.

=== Chats - the speech bubble ===

You’ll find the speech bubble at the top right of the dashboard. You can chat here to anyone in a group of which you are a member. If you look to the left of the chat window you will see there is already a slot for your group mods. We encourage members to use Chat to arrange their transactions. You will only see this though if possible spam is flagged up (see 2 above). What you will also see is a copy of any message you send to a member using the standard messages, though occasionally they do go walkabout I’m afraid and at the moment they do not appear for Trashnothing users. Any reply from a TN member will do however. If that member wants to discuss the contents of your message you can chat here about it. Chat on ModTools works in the same way as that on Freegle Direct except for the flagging up of possible spam.

There are lots of other functions which as a beginner you don’t really need to know about. Indeed some moderators never learn to use them! By all means look at them but don’t change anything without the go-ahead from your group owner or mentor.

=== Discourse - the Us icon ===

As mentioned above, you are automatically joined as a new mod. Discourse is a rather complicated piece of software for groups and is not at all user friendly in my opinion. You can alter your preferences for how often you receive notifications, emails etc from the various central Freegle groups, although you may find it easier to read any new messages on the web as finding the right preferences for yourself is not at all easy.

VMM Aug 2020

=== Links: ===
*[[Discourse]] - information and links for all the central discussion groups, offering help and support for all volunteers
*[https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/images/Training_manual_for_modtools_2020.pdf Mentors' Training Manual for Modtools]
*[[ModTools]]
*[[Recruiting, Training and Retaining]]
*[[New Group Owner Training Step 1]]

[[Category:Recruit/Train/Retain]]

Freshers Config Crib Sheet

2022-04-18T08:08:08Z

Derek Cole:

This is a Crib Sheet for use in conjunction with the Config used on the training groups, the names on the buttons on other Configs may be different but the principal and use of the buttons will be pretty much the same.

'''Animals – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.
'''
Blank Letter – Leave:'''
You will need to write a message to the member telling them what is wrong with their post and what you have done to correct it – After sending you will then need to Approve the message. *Only use if none of the others are appropriate.

'''Blank Letter – Reject:'''
You will need to tell the member what they have done wrong and the post will be automatically Rejected – No further action required. *Only use if none of the others are appropriate.

'''Borrowing – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Borrow aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Cash offered for item – Edit:'''
This can be used for both Wanteds and Offers with editing to suit, edit the post first then use this message to tell the member what you have done - After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Duplicate Message – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

'''Charity event ad within a post – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Charity Event aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Edit Lower Case:'''
This will change the message from ALL CAPS to lower case automatically – After use you will need to Approve the message.

'''Medicines – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

'''Swapping – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Swapping aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Non Landfill Items – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

'''Personal Details – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the relevant details then you can Edit this message to suit individual cases - After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Charity event – Reject:'''
'''Selling – Reject:'''
'''Swapping – Reject:'''
'''Vouchers – Reject:'''
'''Weapons – Reject:'''
'''Copyright – Reject:'''
These will all send a message to the member which you can Edit if needed and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

Links:
*[[Training Team]]
*[[Moderating a Post]]
*[[ModTools Functions]]
*[https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/images/Training_manual_for_modtools_2020.pdf Mentors' Training Manual for Modtools]
*[[ModTools]]

[[Category:Recruit/Train/Retain]]

Freshers Config Crib Sheet

2022-03-27T10:06:07Z

Derek Cole:

This is a Crib Sheet for use in conjunction with the Config used on the training groups, the names on the buttons on other Configs may be different but the principal and use of the buttons will be pretty much the same.

'''Animals – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.
'''
Blank Letter – Leave:'''
You will need to write a message to the member telling them what is wrong with their post and what you have done to correct it – After sending you will then need to Approve the message. *Only use if none of the others are appropriate.

'''Blank Letter – Reject:'''
You will need to tell the member what they have done wrong and the post will be automatically Rejected – No further action required. *Only use if none of the others are appropriate.

'''Borrowing – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Borrow aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Cash offered for item – Edit:'''
This can be used for both Wanteds and Offers with editing to suit, edit the post first then use this message to tell the member what you have done - After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Duplicate Message – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

'''Charity event ad within a post – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Borrow aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Edit Lower Case:'''
This will change the message from ALL CAPS to lower case automatically – After use you will need to Approve the message.

'''Medicines – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

'''Swapping – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Swapping aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Non Landfill Items – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

'''Personal Details – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the relevant details then you can Edit this message to suit individual cases - After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Charity event – Reject:'''
'''Selling – Reject:'''
'''Swapping – Reject:'''
'''Vouchers – Reject:'''
'''Weapons – Reject:'''
'''Copyright – Reject:'''
These will all send a message to the member which you can Edit if needed and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

Freshers Config Crib Sheet

2022-03-27T09:49:23Z

Derek Cole:

This is a Crib Sheet for use in conjunction with the Config used on the training groups, the names on the buttons on other Configs may be different but the principal and use of the buttons will be pretty much the same.

'''Animals – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.
'''
Blank Letter – Leave:'''
You will need to write a message to the member telling them what is wrong with their post and what you have done to correct it – After sending you will then need to Approve the message. *Only use if none of the others are appropriate.

'''Blank Letter – Reject:'''
You will need to tell the member what they have done wrong and the post will be automatically Rejected – No further action required. *Only use if none of the others are appropriate.

'''Borrowing – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Borrow aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Cash offered for item – Edit:'''
This can be used for both Wanteds and Offers with editing to suit, edit the post first then use this message to tell the member what you have done - After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Duplicate Message – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

'''Charity event ad within a post – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Borrow aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Edit Lower Case:'''
This will change the message from ALL CAPS to lower case automatically – After use you will need to Approve the message.

'''Medicines – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

'''Swapping – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Swapping aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Non Landfill Items – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

'''Personal Details – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the relevant details then you can Edit this message to suit individual cases - After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Charity event – Reject:
Selling – Reject:
Swapping – Reject:
Vouchers – Reject:
Weapons – Reject:
Copyright – Reject:'''
These will all send a message to the member which you can Edit if needed and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

Training Team

2022-03-27T09:44:41Z

Derek Cole: /* Notes */

====Role and Remit====
* To offer training to all new volunteers for moderating and the use of Modtools.
* To liaise with the New Groups Team (NGT) and Mentors to identify new volunteers for new and caretaker groups.
* To offer help to local teams in training their present and new volunteers.
* To keep training information up to date on the wiki for Trainers and local teams to use.
* To offer Modtools ‘top up’ training sessions for existing moderators.
* To keep Mentors Team informed of progress of training for new moderators for new and caretaker groups.

====Membership====
* Any member of Freegle Discourse who would like to offer their experience and/or time to help other Freegle volunteers and groups is welcomed. Email: training@ilovefreegle.org.
* Acceptance to the Team will be by a simple majority of votes by the existing training team.
* The Training Coordinator will be the Development Group’s contact for any queries, clarifications or changes of practice.
* The Board will have access to the Team group via the training@ilovefreegle.org email address.
*

====Training Team Coordinator====
The Training Team Coordinator is responsible for the following tasks:
* Ensuring the workload is spread fairly between Trainers.
* Compiling a monthly report summarising activities of the Team, posting this to Central and archiving on the Wiki.
* Responding to the Training mailbox enquiries and new requests for help.
* Maintaining a task list and liaising with the Team over allocation of work.
* Liaising with NGT/Mentors/Board/Development as appropriate.
* Arranging recruitment of new Trainers as required.

=====Appointment=====
The role will be open to all Trainers on the Team. Appointment can be either via consensus (if there is one candidate on which the Group agrees) or a poll of members of the Team. If a poll is required, it will be for a minimum of 4 days duration, carried by a simple majority of votes.

=====Termination=====
* The Coordinator can stand down at any time by informing the Team.
* If Trainers feel the role is not being fulfilled then they should try to work with the role holder to help or failing that, the Board should be contacted to assist.
* In extremes, Team members can call for a vote of no confidence to be run within the Team to retain or remove the person.

====Working Practice====
* The Training Team will work from a closed group on groups.io or similar. Presently https://groups.io/g/Freegle-training
* Requests for training can come from NGT, Mentors/caretakers and existing volunteers who recruit new team members. There should be separate lists for trainees from caretaker groups and new groups, trainees being picked up alternatively. The priority is for new moderators to Freegle, whether on new or existing groups.
* The Training materials used for training are on the wiki - links are included in Notes below.
* Training spaces are available at http://freegle.in/freshers and https://freegle.in/Freshers2
* Training methods can include email, phone, video calls, Zoom etc as appropriate.
* All Trainers will have access to the task list where work is logged.

====Code of Practice====
* Trainers will promote the Best Practice guidelines.
* Trainers should treat personal information of volunteers as confidential. If there is doubt about what constitutes confidential information, the Board can be consulted.

====Reports and Review====
* The Team will publish a brief monthly report to Freegle Central on training activity.
* Trainers will bring any issues that they think need discussion to the Development Working Group.

====Related Documents and Links====
* [[Mentor Team Remit]]
* [[New Groups Team- NGT]]
* [[Caretaker Groups]]
* [[Document Approval Policy]]
* [[Glossary]]
* [[Freegle Teams]]

====Notes====

Wiki Training related pages:
* https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/Recruiting,_Training_and_Retaining
* https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/Mod_Training
* https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/ModTools
* https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/images/Training_manual_for_modtools_2020.pdf
* https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/Retaining_Volunteers
* https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/New_Group_Owner_Training_Step_1
* https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/ModTools_Functions
* https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/Moderating_a_Post
* https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/Freshers_Config_Crib_Sheet
* https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/Problematic_Posts
* https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/Admin

[[category:Policies, Procedures, Remits]]
[[category:Freegle Teams]]
[[category:Recruit/Train/Retain]]

Freshers Config Crib Sheet

2022-03-27T09:43:19Z

Derek Cole:

'''Animals – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.
'''
Blank Letter – Leave:'''
You will need to write a message to the member telling them what is wrong with their post and what you have done to correct it – After sending you will then need to Approve the message. *Only use if none of the others are appropriate.

'''Blank Letter – Reject:'''
You will need to tell the member what they have done wrong and the post will be automatically Rejected – No further action required. *Only use if none of the others are appropriate.

'''Borrowing – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Borrow aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Cash offered for item – Edit:'''
This can be used for both Wanteds and Offers with editing to suit, edit the post first then use this message to tell the member what you have done - After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Duplicate Message – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

'''Charity event ad within a post – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Borrow aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Edit Lower Case:'''
This will change the message from ALL CAPS to lower case automatically – After use you will need to Approve the message.

'''Medicines – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

'''Swapping – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Swapping aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Non Landfill Items – Reject:'''
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

'''Personal Details – Edit:'''
You need to Edit the post first to remove the relevant details then you can Edit this message to suit individual cases - After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

'''Charity event – Reject:
Selling – Reject:
Swapping – Reject:
Vouchers – Reject:
Weapons – Reject:
Copyright – Reject:'''
These will all send a message to the member which you can Edit if needed and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

Freshers Config Crib Sheet

2022-03-27T09:41:27Z

Derek Cole: Created page with "Animals – Reject: This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required. Blank Letter – Leave: You will need to write a..."

Animals – Reject:
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

Blank Letter – Leave:
You will need to write a message to the member telling them what is wrong with their post and what you have done to correct it – After sending you will then need to Approve the message. *Only use if none of the others are appropriate.

Blank Letter – Reject:
You will need to tell the member what they have done wrong and the post will be automatically Rejected – No further action required. *Only use if none of the others are appropriate.

Borrowing – Edit:
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Borrow aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

Cash offered for item – Edit:
This can be used for both Wanteds and Offers with editing to suit, edit the post first then use this message to tell the member what you have done - After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

Duplicate Message – Reject:
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

Charity event ad within a post – Edit:
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Borrow aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

Edit Lower Case:
This will change the message from ALL CAPS to lower case automatically – After use you will need to Approve the message.

Medicines – Reject:
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

Swapping – Edit:
You need to Edit the post first to remove the Swapping aspect then send this note to tell the member what you have done – After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

Non Landfill Items – Reject:
This will send a message to the member and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

Personal Details – Edit:
You need to Edit the post first to remove the relevant details then you can Edit this message to suit individual cases - After sending you then need to Approve the edited message.

Charity event – Reject:
Selling – Reject:
Swapping – Reject:
Vouchers – Reject:
Weapons – Reject:
Copyright – Reject:
These will all send a message to the member which you can Edit if needed and automatically reject the post – no further action required.

Talk:Moderating a Post

2022-03-27T09:38:50Z

Derek Cole: Blanked the page

Talk:Moderating a Post

2022-03-27T09:37:10Z

Derek Cole: Freshers Config Crib Sheet

ModTools Functions

2021-11-28T12:31:29Z

Derek Cole: /* Help */

This is one of the personal crib sheets used by Vee Martin, Mentor, when training new moderators. The views expressed within this and her other two crib sheets are her own. The other two crib sheets are [[Moderating a Post]] and [[Problematic Posts]].

A brief summary of ModTools functions

=== Dashboard ===

==== Messages ====

===== Pending =====
- messages from moderated members and where you’ll do most of your work as a mod. A pink shape with a number in it indicates how many messages want moderating. The pink shape will appear wherever on the dashboard something needs to be done.

===== Approved =====
- occasionally you’ll come across a message from an unmoderated member that is wrong and needs attention. Messages can now be edited even if they are on the board. If an edit is needed it is often simpler to do it yourself and advise the member that you have done it, but ideally we should be encouraging members do it themselves. If it’s a minor infringement you should contact the member via a standard message and remind them of the rules, eg reposted too soon. If it’s a major infringement you should inform the member why, eg offering goods for sale, and delete the post using a standard message.

===== Review =====
- this is where a message has been flagged up by the server because it contains something questionable. It might be a worry word, something illegal perhaps or possible spam. Worry words are often just false alarms, such as balls, which can be an innocent offer of golf balls for instance rather than porn. If it’s not a legitimate worry the post can be released. MTs has very good spam filters but you will occasionally come across a spam message. These are usually where a member’s email address has been hacked and contain a web address which often leads to a porn site. You should use a standard message to inform the member and delete the post if that is the case.

===== Edits =====
- fairly self explanatory. If you click on it, you’ll see the instructions when there is something to edit.

==== Members ====

===== Pending =====
- most groups auto-approve members so you would only use this button if your group has special rules which require investigation before approval eg details of addresses to ensure they live in the catchment area. It requires a lot less work for mods to have every application auto-approved and to pick up those who live outside the catchment area when they first post though.

===== Approved =====
- this will show a list of all approved members and is useful if you want to search for someone.

===== Member review =====
- members are flagged up by the server if there is something about their membership of a group which is suspicious. A pink bar will tell you why they have been flagged and the instructions in blue at the top of the page will offer suggestions about what to do. The most frequent use of the review is for multi-joiners. Many groups do not allow people to join a multitude of groups especially if they are over a wide geographical distance. Consult your group rules and fellow mods about their policy on this.

===== Chat review =====
- unlike other spam this will come up quite often because the filters are sent to catch any mention of money, addresses etc of which there is quite a lot in chat as people arrange pick-ups, compare notes re costs, offer to pay petrol etc. You need to click on ‘View chat’ to see the context. Mostly these so-called spam chats are actually perfectly legitimate arrangements between members and should be approved ie select ‘Not Spam’. You have the option to add notes to either member where you feel it is appropriate or to the chat itself. Use sparingly or you will give members the impression big brother is watching them! Mark as ‘Spam’ anything that is obviously so and not part of a conversation between members - usually a web address on its own. Whitelisting is where the same chat keeps getting caught up in the spam filters when it is plainly legitimate, and will avoid this happening in future.
One problem which occurs from time to time is where a member tells another that the free item has gone but they have one to sell. As all offers on Freegle have to be made freely this is against the rules. The easiest option here is just to delete the Chat. However, you might wish to inform the offending member that this against the rules before you do so. If you add a moderator note to the Chat (make sure you pick the right member to send it to) before you delete it I think it goes straight to that person regardless of whether or not you have released the Chat. The alternative is to send a message to the member via a blank standard message (see later handout on moderating) and also to mark their ‘card” as a seller.

===== Related =====
- the instructions which come up when you click on this explain what this function is about. Unless you select ignore you can invite members to combine different email addresses where it is appropriate.

===== Stories =====
- some members like to make positive comments about how Freegle worked for them, which can then be published. You have editing rights.

===== Feedback =====
- shows the comments members have made regarding the success or otherwise of their posts. Some groups make a point of following up unhappy members to see what might be improved.

===== Notes =====
- this is a list of notes made about the members of your group. The instructions are at the top in blue.

==== Events ====

This is where members can advertise local events. These need approval by a mod before they are published. Local groups have their own rules about these but generally they should be relevant to the area and have some (loose) connection to recycling.

==== Volunteering ====

Should be relevant to the group’s area but no hard and fast rules about other relevancies. Need mod approval before they go on the group’s Freegle page.

==== Publicity ====

Most groups have links to Facebook and Twitter. These are centrally composed fliers which may or may not be relevant to your group’s area and which, if approved, will go onto your group’s social media pages. Remember to hide them if not relevant.

==== Admins ====

Shows all admins sent out to group members in the past. Not for beginners as need approval from all group mods usually. A new addition is that centrally approved admins are now being sent out periodically. You can decide whether or not these are appropriate for your group, the options being Approve and Send, Save Changes if you want to edit an admin first, and Delete if you don’t want to send it at all.

==== Spammer list ====

Not really for beginners. This is where you report members you think are spamming your group, get information about them and see who has been whitelisted ie exempted. Beginners should seek advice from other more experienced mods or their mentor if they feel they have come across a spammer.

==== Logs ====

These list all actions by both members and mods in your group either by message or by membership. Very useful if you want to search for who did what and when eg what a fellow mod did when you were not on duty which requires follow up.

==== Settings ====

You set your own personal settings when you first start to use MTs. Community settings and Standard Messages should not be altered by beginners in any way.

==== Teams ====

Info about who’s who centrally. A bit out-of-date now.

==== Help ====

This brings you here! If you can't find the help you want on this page or the links provided, ask on Discourse (click 'Us' on the top ModTools menu) to ask your question and/or to ask for more information to be included here.

=== Chats - the speech bubble ===

You’ll find the speech bubble at the top right of the dashboard. You can chat here to anyone in a group of which you are a member. If you look to the left of the chat window you will see there is already a slot for your group mods. We encourage members to use Chat to arrange their transactions. You will only see this though if possible spam is flagged up (see 2 above). What you will also see is a copy of any message you send to a member using the standard messages, though occasionally they do go walkabout I’m afraid and at the moment they do not appear for Trashnothing users. Any reply from a TN member will do however. If that member wants to discuss the contents of your message you can chat here about it. Chat on ModTools works in the same way as that on Freegle Direct except for the flagging up of possible spam.

There are lots of other functions which as a beginner you don’t really need to know about. Indeed some moderators never learn to use them! By all means look at them but don’t change anything without the go-ahead from your group owner or mentor.

=== Discourse - the Us icon ===

As mentioned above, you are automatically joined as a new mod. Discourse is a rather complicated piece of software for groups and is not at all user friendly in my opinion. You can alter your preferences for how often you receive notifications, emails etc from the various central Freegle groups, although you may find it easier to read any new messages on the web as finding the right preferences for yourself is not at all easy.

VMM Aug 2020

=== Links: ===
*[[Discourse]] - information and links for all the central discussion groups, offering help and support for all volunteers
*[https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/images/Training_manual_for_modtools_2020.pdf Mentors' Training Manual for Modtools]
*[[ModTools]]
*[[Recruiting, Training and Retaining]]
*[[New Group Owner Training Step 1]]

[[Category:Recruit/Train/Retain]]

Mod Training

2021-11-24T07:48:04Z

Derek Cole: /* Try to ensure clarity and consistency for mods */

= Moderator Recruitment =
For information on recruitment, please see [[Group Volunteer Recruiting]]

=Sample letter explaining modding style once new mod has been recruited=

''Hi XXX,

This is great news. I have upgraded your membership status to moderator. Thank you and welcome to the moderating team.

Before we speak to go through the practical duties of a mod, this email is to outline the modding style that we try to employ on XXX-Freegle. It is not exhaustive, but should give you an idea of where we are ‘coming from’ and how you’ll be able to fit in.

*We try to use a gentle touch when moderating members
*We remain calm, respectful, reasonable and democratic with the members, as well as with our own and our neighbouring mod teams
*Although the group does have rules, we are flexible (where appropriate) for everything other than the basic premise that everything must be free and legal - common sense prevails
*We never take advantage of our position as a mod and never respond to posts before they appear on the list. We strongly discourage members from using a first come first serve basis for choosing recipients and we take members off moderation as soon as possible
*We discuss with our fellow mods as necessary before dealing with questionable posts or member queries – there is no urgency and it is always better to check than act in haste
*We try to show consistency between mods
*We are always respectful to members – if we receive inflammatory replies we cool off and talk to fellow mods before responding
*We are supportive of other local groups, networks and mod teams
*We remember that the group belongs to the local community and not the mod team
*We seek advice from the mod groups as necessary
*We refer confidential/sensitive difficulties that we are unable to resolve to the nationally elected Freegle Committee.

I hope this is helpful. Please do not hesitate to ask if I can clarify anything about the role for you. I'll call you later today to arrange a mutually convenient time for us to proceed.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team

Contact number''

=Sample letter explaining preparation jobs prior to training=

''Hi XXX,

OK, before we meet up at XX PLACE on XX TIME/DAY, may I suggest 3 things for you to do first:

Please could you check that you are very familiar with the XXX Freegle group rules and other group admin material here:

<Include link to local group rules and files>

1: Please could you take a really good look around XXX Freegle group with the additional features that you can see as a mod.

2: Please explore everything, including the pending boxes, but hold off actually doing anything at all as yet. I suggest that we schedule an hour one evening in a couple of days time to do some actual modding together on the phone or in person – it is much easier to explain the role this way than by email.

3: Finally, please join us and say hi on our local moderators’ group. I have sent you an invitation. We are a friendly bunch and delighted you can join us. Reading back through the messages there will give you a good idea of what we do, as everything is archived there.

The role will become clear after a very short time. It is really worth investing the time initially to learn the role, and you’ll be able to moderate much faster and more confidently. Importantly, this preparation will enable you to really enjoy modding.

4. Will be for you to let me know when you feel ready to go through some modding on the phone or in person. Ideally we’ll need a day's notice; we can get the other mods to leave the pending messages alone for 6-8 hours for us to work on together. In the meantime, please contact me by email, phone or text with any questions.

One final thing to say...there is no such thing as a silly question, please feel comfortable asking anything at all, and asking for clarification as many times as necessary if I have not explained it coherently.

Welcome, and enjoy.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team

Contact number
''

=Ways to communicate the training to the new mod=

* Have a face-to-face meeting, get to know each other
* Spend time on the phone with a new mod, both of you looking at pending messages and talk through what to do with the messages. This could also be done by visiting your new mod at home, or meeting up somewhere public with a laptop and wi-fi. This can give more advice, discussion and instant feedback than a training group
* Consider communicating with each other via instant messaging, such as with Yahoo, Gmail or Skype to talk through pending messages. This can be useful as the mod can look back the message archive if they forget something
* Try to have an established mod available for contact by email or phone/text or IM
* Make contact with the new mod at least once a day until they find their feet

=Try to ensure clarity and consistency for mods=

* Figure out what your policies are* and make sure any new mods know what they are (it's also helpful to include them in your members handbook so all members and mods can refer to this) *ie: phone numbers, pets, xposting etc (link to advice doc)
* Help group consistency by providing them with template rejection emails

=Tips for new mods=

*It's not too hard
*It's not the end of the world if you make mistakes
*How to moderate pending messages using Modtools
*The most common posting errors
*Don't get carried away and start rejecting lots of things
*Remember that some people are much ruder by email than they are in person, so not to take it personally.
*Initially, leave all queries and difficult members to established moderators, but later have a go, and copy in the –owner, training group or moderators group.

=Suggested training stages=

Take your time and pace the training according to the individual. Allow the new mod to say when they are ready to move on to the next stage.

'''Stage 1'''
Suggestions for practical modding to be explained on the first session – ideally on the phone or in person after the pending box has been left to accumulate for 6-8 hours:

* Approving new members if group settings requires approval
* Identifying & approving an acceptable pending message
* How to return a message to its sender using a template rejection message
* When to edit a member’s post and what is not acceptable (e.g. correction of grammar etc)
* Which posts need to be be referred to the Chitchat group
* Ensuring that the mod is aware to refer non-local members to their nearest group where necessary to try on their most local group(s) at least 24 hours before trying this one. Explain that this practice is to show support to neighbouring groups, especially ones trying to establish themselves. This establishes expectations of a non-territorial/competitive attitude and strengthens relationships between groups

'''Stage 2'''
Suggested material to cover for Stage 2 – ideally on the phone or in person after an adequate amount of time practicing the skills learned in Stage 1:

* Assessing their retention and understanding of Stage 1 learning
* Responding to any queries which have arisen as a result of Stage 1 practice

Then covering:

* Checking that non moderated posts are within the rules and what to do if they aren’t
* Changing a member to group settings & explaining why never to use the unmoderated setting
* Putting members back on moderated – when and how
* Reminding to ask mod team as often as necessary

'''Stage 3'''

* Explaining anything else that comes up and going over anything previously covered as necessary
* Responding to –owner emails
* Group set-up/settings - what they are and why, e.g. New Members Moderated, group archive on view etc [need a link to recommended group set up with rationale here]
* Review of progress so far from both sides

=Joining wider mod groups=

=Sample letter suggesting new mod joins mods' groups=

''Hi XXX,

In order to helyou consolidate your training please join our regional and national moderators’ groups. You will be able to ask advice of fellow mods, search for answers to questions and generally learn the ropes more thoroughly:

*Freegle Central – for group volunteers throughout the UK: http://freegle.it/Central
(I have asked the owners to send you an invitation. This group generates a LOT of mail so you may wish to read online or get a digest)

I have enjoyed our training and hope that you feel comfortable asking me or any of our mod team anything at all, and asking for clarification as many times as necessary. We were all new not so very long ago.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team
XXX contact email address
contact number''

=Stage 4=

* Discuss individual future training requirements, agree a plan and a timescale for review

= Additional resources =

*It can be easier to train a mod on a larger, busier group than on a smaller group. Consider buddying up with larger neighbouring groups who could help to train mods from smaller groups
*Consider using a training group to post sample messages for a new mod to moderate, these should include messages that should be edited or rejected. Once confidence is gained the training group can be used for asking questions. This can also be done through the moderators group. The new mod can say when they feel confident enough to move to the “real” group. A training group can also be used to train a new mod in using the other functions of Modtools, home page editing and so-on.
*Give link to the Freegle Wiki - but reassure them that they don't have to read it all at once!
*invite to join regional mods group and central - perhaps not immediately, but once the mod has had some initial training and is still enthused. This reduces the sense of being overwhelmed and also helps to reduce the numbers of inactive members in these groups
*In some areas several groups train moderators together, perhaps with one mod training all new ones.
*The national Mentors Group are very happy to help with recruiting and training new moderators - just ask! (email mentors@ilovefreegle.org)
*You or you new moderator can join one or more [[Central Groups]] where you can access help.

=Sample demotion letter to unsuitable mod=

CC to:

* Group owner address
* Local modlist address
* Regional modsquad owner address
* Freegle Central owner address

Subject: Mod ---> member

''Hi XXX,

As I haven't heard from you on email or IM I have reverted your membership status back to member. This will mean that you'll need to unsubscribe from any mod group that you are in please.

Sorry it hasn't worked out, but thank you for your interest in Freegle. Your group membership will continue to operate exactly the same as before of course.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Mod Team

XXX Freegle Team

''

=Links:=

*[[ModTools]]
*[[Recruiting, Training and Retaining]]
*[[New Group Owner Training Step 1]]
*[https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/images/Training_manual_for_modtools_2020.pdf Mentors' Training Manual for Modtools] which can be used with cribsheets below
* 3 cribsheets used by Vee Martin, Mentor [[ModTools Functions]], [[Moderating a Post]] and [[Problematic Posts]]
*[[Admin]]
[[Category:Recruit/Train/Retain]]

Mod Training

2021-11-24T07:46:42Z

Derek Cole: /* Suggested training stages */

= Moderator Recruitment =
For information on recruitment, please see [[Group Volunteer Recruiting]]

=Sample letter explaining modding style once new mod has been recruited=

''Hi XXX,

This is great news. I have upgraded your membership status to moderator. Thank you and welcome to the moderating team.

Before we speak to go through the practical duties of a mod, this email is to outline the modding style that we try to employ on XXX-Freegle. It is not exhaustive, but should give you an idea of where we are ‘coming from’ and how you’ll be able to fit in.

*We try to use a gentle touch when moderating members
*We remain calm, respectful, reasonable and democratic with the members, as well as with our own and our neighbouring mod teams
*Although the group does have rules, we are flexible (where appropriate) for everything other than the basic premise that everything must be free and legal - common sense prevails
*We never take advantage of our position as a mod and never respond to posts before they appear on the list. We strongly discourage members from using a first come first serve basis for choosing recipients and we take members off moderation as soon as possible
*We discuss with our fellow mods as necessary before dealing with questionable posts or member queries – there is no urgency and it is always better to check than act in haste
*We try to show consistency between mods
*We are always respectful to members – if we receive inflammatory replies we cool off and talk to fellow mods before responding
*We are supportive of other local groups, networks and mod teams
*We remember that the group belongs to the local community and not the mod team
*We seek advice from the mod groups as necessary
*We refer confidential/sensitive difficulties that we are unable to resolve to the nationally elected Freegle Committee.

I hope this is helpful. Please do not hesitate to ask if I can clarify anything about the role for you. I'll call you later today to arrange a mutually convenient time for us to proceed.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team

Contact number''

=Sample letter explaining preparation jobs prior to training=

''Hi XXX,

OK, before we meet up at XX PLACE on XX TIME/DAY, may I suggest 3 things for you to do first:

Please could you check that you are very familiar with the XXX Freegle group rules and other group admin material here:

<Include link to local group rules and files>

1: Please could you take a really good look around XXX Freegle group with the additional features that you can see as a mod.

2: Please explore everything, including the pending boxes, but hold off actually doing anything at all as yet. I suggest that we schedule an hour one evening in a couple of days time to do some actual modding together on the phone or in person – it is much easier to explain the role this way than by email.

3: Finally, please join us and say hi on our local moderators’ group. I have sent you an invitation. We are a friendly bunch and delighted you can join us. Reading back through the messages there will give you a good idea of what we do, as everything is archived there.

The role will become clear after a very short time. It is really worth investing the time initially to learn the role, and you’ll be able to moderate much faster and more confidently. Importantly, this preparation will enable you to really enjoy modding.

4. Will be for you to let me know when you feel ready to go through some modding on the phone or in person. Ideally we’ll need a day's notice; we can get the other mods to leave the pending messages alone for 6-8 hours for us to work on together. In the meantime, please contact me by email, phone or text with any questions.

One final thing to say...there is no such thing as a silly question, please feel comfortable asking anything at all, and asking for clarification as many times as necessary if I have not explained it coherently.

Welcome, and enjoy.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team

Contact number
''

=Ways to communicate the training to the new mod=

* Have a face-to-face meeting, get to know each other
* Spend time on the phone with a new mod, both of you looking at pending messages and talk through what to do with the messages. This could also be done by visiting your new mod at home, or meeting up somewhere public with a laptop and wi-fi. This can give more advice, discussion and instant feedback than a training group
* Consider communicating with each other via instant messaging, such as with Yahoo, Gmail or Skype to talk through pending messages. This can be useful as the mod can look back the message archive if they forget something
* Try to have an established mod available for contact by email or phone/text or IM
* Make contact with the new mod at least once a day until they find their feet

=Try to ensure clarity and consistency for mods=

* Figure out what your policies are* and make sure any new mods know what they are (it's also helpful to include them in your members handbook so all members and mods can refer to this) *ie: phone numbers, pets, number of wanteds per month xposting etc (link to advice doc)
* Help group consistency by providing them with template rejection emails

=Tips for new mods=

*It's not too hard
*It's not the end of the world if you make mistakes
*How to moderate pending messages using Modtools
*The most common posting errors
*Don't get carried away and start rejecting lots of things
*Remember that some people are much ruder by email than they are in person, so not to take it personally.
*Initially, leave all queries and difficult members to established moderators, but later have a go, and copy in the –owner, training group or moderators group.

=Suggested training stages=

Take your time and pace the training according to the individual. Allow the new mod to say when they are ready to move on to the next stage.

'''Stage 1'''
Suggestions for practical modding to be explained on the first session – ideally on the phone or in person after the pending box has been left to accumulate for 6-8 hours:

* Approving new members if group settings requires approval
* Identifying & approving an acceptable pending message
* How to return a message to its sender using a template rejection message
* When to edit a member’s post and what is not acceptable (e.g. correction of grammar etc)
* Which posts need to be be referred to the Chitchat group
* Ensuring that the mod is aware to refer non-local members to their nearest group where necessary to try on their most local group(s) at least 24 hours before trying this one. Explain that this practice is to show support to neighbouring groups, especially ones trying to establish themselves. This establishes expectations of a non-territorial/competitive attitude and strengthens relationships between groups

'''Stage 2'''
Suggested material to cover for Stage 2 – ideally on the phone or in person after an adequate amount of time practicing the skills learned in Stage 1:

* Assessing their retention and understanding of Stage 1 learning
* Responding to any queries which have arisen as a result of Stage 1 practice

Then covering:

* Checking that non moderated posts are within the rules and what to do if they aren’t
* Changing a member to group settings & explaining why never to use the unmoderated setting
* Putting members back on moderated – when and how
* Reminding to ask mod team as often as necessary

'''Stage 3'''

* Explaining anything else that comes up and going over anything previously covered as necessary
* Responding to –owner emails
* Group set-up/settings - what they are and why, e.g. New Members Moderated, group archive on view etc [need a link to recommended group set up with rationale here]
* Review of progress so far from both sides

=Joining wider mod groups=

=Sample letter suggesting new mod joins mods' groups=

''Hi XXX,

In order to helyou consolidate your training please join our regional and national moderators’ groups. You will be able to ask advice of fellow mods, search for answers to questions and generally learn the ropes more thoroughly:

*Freegle Central – for group volunteers throughout the UK: http://freegle.it/Central
(I have asked the owners to send you an invitation. This group generates a LOT of mail so you may wish to read online or get a digest)

I have enjoyed our training and hope that you feel comfortable asking me or any of our mod team anything at all, and asking for clarification as many times as necessary. We were all new not so very long ago.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team
XXX contact email address
contact number''

=Stage 4=

* Discuss individual future training requirements, agree a plan and a timescale for review

= Additional resources =

*It can be easier to train a mod on a larger, busier group than on a smaller group. Consider buddying up with larger neighbouring groups who could help to train mods from smaller groups
*Consider using a training group to post sample messages for a new mod to moderate, these should include messages that should be edited or rejected. Once confidence is gained the training group can be used for asking questions. This can also be done through the moderators group. The new mod can say when they feel confident enough to move to the “real” group. A training group can also be used to train a new mod in using the other functions of Modtools, home page editing and so-on.
*Give link to the Freegle Wiki - but reassure them that they don't have to read it all at once!
*invite to join regional mods group and central - perhaps not immediately, but once the mod has had some initial training and is still enthused. This reduces the sense of being overwhelmed and also helps to reduce the numbers of inactive members in these groups
*In some areas several groups train moderators together, perhaps with one mod training all new ones.
*The national Mentors Group are very happy to help with recruiting and training new moderators - just ask! (email mentors@ilovefreegle.org)
*You or you new moderator can join one or more [[Central Groups]] where you can access help.

=Sample demotion letter to unsuitable mod=

CC to:

* Group owner address
* Local modlist address
* Regional modsquad owner address
* Freegle Central owner address

Subject: Mod ---> member

''Hi XXX,

As I haven't heard from you on email or IM I have reverted your membership status back to member. This will mean that you'll need to unsubscribe from any mod group that you are in please.

Sorry it hasn't worked out, but thank you for your interest in Freegle. Your group membership will continue to operate exactly the same as before of course.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Mod Team

XXX Freegle Team

''

=Links:=

*[[ModTools]]
*[[Recruiting, Training and Retaining]]
*[[New Group Owner Training Step 1]]
*[https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/images/Training_manual_for_modtools_2020.pdf Mentors' Training Manual for Modtools] which can be used with cribsheets below
* 3 cribsheets used by Vee Martin, Mentor [[ModTools Functions]], [[Moderating a Post]] and [[Problematic Posts]]
*[[Admin]]
[[Category:Recruit/Train/Retain]]

Mod Training

2021-11-24T07:46:29Z

Derek Cole: /* Suggested training stages */

= Moderator Recruitment =
For information on recruitment, please see [[Group Volunteer Recruiting]]

=Sample letter explaining modding style once new mod has been recruited=

''Hi XXX,

This is great news. I have upgraded your membership status to moderator. Thank you and welcome to the moderating team.

Before we speak to go through the practical duties of a mod, this email is to outline the modding style that we try to employ on XXX-Freegle. It is not exhaustive, but should give you an idea of where we are ‘coming from’ and how you’ll be able to fit in.

*We try to use a gentle touch when moderating members
*We remain calm, respectful, reasonable and democratic with the members, as well as with our own and our neighbouring mod teams
*Although the group does have rules, we are flexible (where appropriate) for everything other than the basic premise that everything must be free and legal - common sense prevails
*We never take advantage of our position as a mod and never respond to posts before they appear on the list. We strongly discourage members from using a first come first serve basis for choosing recipients and we take members off moderation as soon as possible
*We discuss with our fellow mods as necessary before dealing with questionable posts or member queries – there is no urgency and it is always better to check than act in haste
*We try to show consistency between mods
*We are always respectful to members – if we receive inflammatory replies we cool off and talk to fellow mods before responding
*We are supportive of other local groups, networks and mod teams
*We remember that the group belongs to the local community and not the mod team
*We seek advice from the mod groups as necessary
*We refer confidential/sensitive difficulties that we are unable to resolve to the nationally elected Freegle Committee.

I hope this is helpful. Please do not hesitate to ask if I can clarify anything about the role for you. I'll call you later today to arrange a mutually convenient time for us to proceed.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team

Contact number''

=Sample letter explaining preparation jobs prior to training=

''Hi XXX,

OK, before we meet up at XX PLACE on XX TIME/DAY, may I suggest 3 things for you to do first:

Please could you check that you are very familiar with the XXX Freegle group rules and other group admin material here:

<Include link to local group rules and files>

1: Please could you take a really good look around XXX Freegle group with the additional features that you can see as a mod.

2: Please explore everything, including the pending boxes, but hold off actually doing anything at all as yet. I suggest that we schedule an hour one evening in a couple of days time to do some actual modding together on the phone or in person – it is much easier to explain the role this way than by email.

3: Finally, please join us and say hi on our local moderators’ group. I have sent you an invitation. We are a friendly bunch and delighted you can join us. Reading back through the messages there will give you a good idea of what we do, as everything is archived there.

The role will become clear after a very short time. It is really worth investing the time initially to learn the role, and you’ll be able to moderate much faster and more confidently. Importantly, this preparation will enable you to really enjoy modding.

4. Will be for you to let me know when you feel ready to go through some modding on the phone or in person. Ideally we’ll need a day's notice; we can get the other mods to leave the pending messages alone for 6-8 hours for us to work on together. In the meantime, please contact me by email, phone or text with any questions.

One final thing to say...there is no such thing as a silly question, please feel comfortable asking anything at all, and asking for clarification as many times as necessary if I have not explained it coherently.

Welcome, and enjoy.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team

Contact number
''

=Ways to communicate the training to the new mod=

* Have a face-to-face meeting, get to know each other
* Spend time on the phone with a new mod, both of you looking at pending messages and talk through what to do with the messages. This could also be done by visiting your new mod at home, or meeting up somewhere public with a laptop and wi-fi. This can give more advice, discussion and instant feedback than a training group
* Consider communicating with each other via instant messaging, such as with Yahoo, Gmail or Skype to talk through pending messages. This can be useful as the mod can look back the message archive if they forget something
* Try to have an established mod available for contact by email or phone/text or IM
* Make contact with the new mod at least once a day until they find their feet

=Try to ensure clarity and consistency for mods=

* Figure out what your policies are* and make sure any new mods know what they are (it's also helpful to include them in your members handbook so all members and mods can refer to this) *ie: phone numbers, pets, number of wanteds per month xposting etc (link to advice doc)
* Help group consistency by providing them with template rejection emails

=Tips for new mods=

*It's not too hard
*It's not the end of the world if you make mistakes
*How to moderate pending messages using Modtools
*The most common posting errors
*Don't get carried away and start rejecting lots of things
*Remember that some people are much ruder by email than they are in person, so not to take it personally.
*Initially, leave all queries and difficult members to established moderators, but later have a go, and copy in the –owner, training group or moderators group.

=Suggested training stages=

Take your time and pace the training according to the individual. Allow the new mod to say when they are ready to move on to the next stage.

'''Stage 1'''
Suggestions for practical modding to be explained on the first session – ideally on the phone or in person after the pending box has been left to accumulate for 6-8 hours:

* Approving new members if group settings requires approval
* Identifying & approving an acceptable pending message
* How to return a message to its sender using a template rejection message
* When to edit a member’s post and what is not acceptable (e.g. correction of grammar etc)
* Which posts need to be be referred to the Chiychat group
* Ensuring that the mod is aware to refer non-local members to their nearest group where necessary to try on their most local group(s) at least 24 hours before trying this one. Explain that this practice is to show support to neighbouring groups, especially ones trying to establish themselves. This establishes expectations of a non-territorial/competitive attitude and strengthens relationships between groups

'''Stage 2'''
Suggested material to cover for Stage 2 – ideally on the phone or in person after an adequate amount of time practicing the skills learned in Stage 1:

* Assessing their retention and understanding of Stage 1 learning
* Responding to any queries which have arisen as a result of Stage 1 practice

Then covering:

* Checking that non moderated posts are within the rules and what to do if they aren’t
* Changing a member to group settings & explaining why never to use the unmoderated setting
* Putting members back on moderated – when and how
* Reminding to ask mod team as often as necessary

'''Stage 3'''

* Explaining anything else that comes up and going over anything previously covered as necessary
* Responding to –owner emails
* Group set-up/settings - what they are and why, e.g. New Members Moderated, group archive on view etc [need a link to recommended group set up with rationale here]
* Review of progress so far from both sides

=Joining wider mod groups=

=Sample letter suggesting new mod joins mods' groups=

''Hi XXX,

In order to helyou consolidate your training please join our regional and national moderators’ groups. You will be able to ask advice of fellow mods, search for answers to questions and generally learn the ropes more thoroughly:

*Freegle Central – for group volunteers throughout the UK: http://freegle.it/Central
(I have asked the owners to send you an invitation. This group generates a LOT of mail so you may wish to read online or get a digest)

I have enjoyed our training and hope that you feel comfortable asking me or any of our mod team anything at all, and asking for clarification as many times as necessary. We were all new not so very long ago.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team
XXX contact email address
contact number''

=Stage 4=

* Discuss individual future training requirements, agree a plan and a timescale for review

= Additional resources =

*It can be easier to train a mod on a larger, busier group than on a smaller group. Consider buddying up with larger neighbouring groups who could help to train mods from smaller groups
*Consider using a training group to post sample messages for a new mod to moderate, these should include messages that should be edited or rejected. Once confidence is gained the training group can be used for asking questions. This can also be done through the moderators group. The new mod can say when they feel confident enough to move to the “real” group. A training group can also be used to train a new mod in using the other functions of Modtools, home page editing and so-on.
*Give link to the Freegle Wiki - but reassure them that they don't have to read it all at once!
*invite to join regional mods group and central - perhaps not immediately, but once the mod has had some initial training and is still enthused. This reduces the sense of being overwhelmed and also helps to reduce the numbers of inactive members in these groups
*In some areas several groups train moderators together, perhaps with one mod training all new ones.
*The national Mentors Group are very happy to help with recruiting and training new moderators - just ask! (email mentors@ilovefreegle.org)
*You or you new moderator can join one or more [[Central Groups]] where you can access help.

=Sample demotion letter to unsuitable mod=

CC to:

* Group owner address
* Local modlist address
* Regional modsquad owner address
* Freegle Central owner address

Subject: Mod ---> member

''Hi XXX,

As I haven't heard from you on email or IM I have reverted your membership status back to member. This will mean that you'll need to unsubscribe from any mod group that you are in please.

Sorry it hasn't worked out, but thank you for your interest in Freegle. Your group membership will continue to operate exactly the same as before of course.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Mod Team

XXX Freegle Team

''

=Links:=

*[[ModTools]]
*[[Recruiting, Training and Retaining]]
*[[New Group Owner Training Step 1]]
*[https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/images/Training_manual_for_modtools_2020.pdf Mentors' Training Manual for Modtools] which can be used with cribsheets below
* 3 cribsheets used by Vee Martin, Mentor [[ModTools Functions]], [[Moderating a Post]] and [[Problematic Posts]]
*[[Admin]]
[[Category:Recruit/Train/Retain]]

Mod Training

2021-11-24T07:44:38Z

Derek Cole: /* Additional resources */

= Moderator Recruitment =
For information on recruitment, please see [[Group Volunteer Recruiting]]

=Sample letter explaining modding style once new mod has been recruited=

''Hi XXX,

This is great news. I have upgraded your membership status to moderator. Thank you and welcome to the moderating team.

Before we speak to go through the practical duties of a mod, this email is to outline the modding style that we try to employ on XXX-Freegle. It is not exhaustive, but should give you an idea of where we are ‘coming from’ and how you’ll be able to fit in.

*We try to use a gentle touch when moderating members
*We remain calm, respectful, reasonable and democratic with the members, as well as with our own and our neighbouring mod teams
*Although the group does have rules, we are flexible (where appropriate) for everything other than the basic premise that everything must be free and legal - common sense prevails
*We never take advantage of our position as a mod and never respond to posts before they appear on the list. We strongly discourage members from using a first come first serve basis for choosing recipients and we take members off moderation as soon as possible
*We discuss with our fellow mods as necessary before dealing with questionable posts or member queries – there is no urgency and it is always better to check than act in haste
*We try to show consistency between mods
*We are always respectful to members – if we receive inflammatory replies we cool off and talk to fellow mods before responding
*We are supportive of other local groups, networks and mod teams
*We remember that the group belongs to the local community and not the mod team
*We seek advice from the mod groups as necessary
*We refer confidential/sensitive difficulties that we are unable to resolve to the nationally elected Freegle Committee.

I hope this is helpful. Please do not hesitate to ask if I can clarify anything about the role for you. I'll call you later today to arrange a mutually convenient time for us to proceed.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team

Contact number''

=Sample letter explaining preparation jobs prior to training=

''Hi XXX,

OK, before we meet up at XX PLACE on XX TIME/DAY, may I suggest 3 things for you to do first:

Please could you check that you are very familiar with the XXX Freegle group rules and other group admin material here:

<Include link to local group rules and files>

1: Please could you take a really good look around XXX Freegle group with the additional features that you can see as a mod.

2: Please explore everything, including the pending boxes, but hold off actually doing anything at all as yet. I suggest that we schedule an hour one evening in a couple of days time to do some actual modding together on the phone or in person – it is much easier to explain the role this way than by email.

3: Finally, please join us and say hi on our local moderators’ group. I have sent you an invitation. We are a friendly bunch and delighted you can join us. Reading back through the messages there will give you a good idea of what we do, as everything is archived there.

The role will become clear after a very short time. It is really worth investing the time initially to learn the role, and you’ll be able to moderate much faster and more confidently. Importantly, this preparation will enable you to really enjoy modding.

4. Will be for you to let me know when you feel ready to go through some modding on the phone or in person. Ideally we’ll need a day's notice; we can get the other mods to leave the pending messages alone for 6-8 hours for us to work on together. In the meantime, please contact me by email, phone or text with any questions.

One final thing to say...there is no such thing as a silly question, please feel comfortable asking anything at all, and asking for clarification as many times as necessary if I have not explained it coherently.

Welcome, and enjoy.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team

Contact number
''

=Ways to communicate the training to the new mod=

* Have a face-to-face meeting, get to know each other
* Spend time on the phone with a new mod, both of you looking at pending messages and talk through what to do with the messages. This could also be done by visiting your new mod at home, or meeting up somewhere public with a laptop and wi-fi. This can give more advice, discussion and instant feedback than a training group
* Consider communicating with each other via instant messaging, such as with Yahoo, Gmail or Skype to talk through pending messages. This can be useful as the mod can look back the message archive if they forget something
* Try to have an established mod available for contact by email or phone/text or IM
* Make contact with the new mod at least once a day until they find their feet

=Try to ensure clarity and consistency for mods=

* Figure out what your policies are* and make sure any new mods know what they are (it's also helpful to include them in your members handbook so all members and mods can refer to this) *ie: phone numbers, pets, number of wanteds per month xposting etc (link to advice doc)
* Help group consistency by providing them with template rejection emails

=Tips for new mods=

*It's not too hard
*It's not the end of the world if you make mistakes
*How to moderate pending messages using Modtools
*The most common posting errors
*Don't get carried away and start rejecting lots of things
*Remember that some people are much ruder by email than they are in person, so not to take it personally.
*Initially, leave all queries and difficult members to established moderators, but later have a go, and copy in the –owner, training group or moderators group.

=Suggested training stages=

Take your time and pace the training according to the individual. Allow the new mod to say when they are ready to move on to the next stage.

'''Stage 1'''
Suggestions for practical modding to be explained on the first session – ideally on the phone or in person after the pending box has been left to accumulate for 6-8 hours:

* Approving new members if group settings requires approval
* Identifying & approving an acceptable pending message
* How to return a message to its sender using a template rejection message
* When to edit a member’s post and what is not acceptable (e.g. correction of grammar etc)
* Which posts need to be be referred to the café group if there is one
* Ensuring that the mod is aware to refer non-local members to their nearest group where necessary to try on their most local group(s) at least 24 hours before trying this one. Explain that this practice is to show support to neighbouring groups, especially ones trying to establish themselves. This establishes expectations of a non-territorial/competitive attitude and strengthens relationships between groups

'''Stage 2'''
Suggested material to cover for Stage 2 – ideally on the phone or in person after an adequate amount of time practicing the skills learned in Stage 1:

* Assessing their retention and understanding of Stage 1 learning
* Responding to any queries which have arisen as a result of Stage 1 practice

Then covering:

* Checking that non moderated posts are within the rules and what to do if they aren’t
* Changing a member to group settings & explaining why never to use the unmoderated setting
* Putting members back on moderated – when and how
* Reminding to ask mod team as often as necessary

'''Stage 3'''

* Explaining anything else that comes up and going over anything previously covered as necessary
* Responding to –owner emails
* Group set-up/settings - what they are and why, e.g. New Members Moderated, group archive on view etc [need a link to recommended group set up with rationale here]
* Review of progress so far from both sides

=Joining wider mod groups=

=Sample letter suggesting new mod joins mods' groups=

''Hi XXX,

In order to helyou consolidate your training please join our regional and national moderators’ groups. You will be able to ask advice of fellow mods, search for answers to questions and generally learn the ropes more thoroughly:

*Freegle Central – for group volunteers throughout the UK: http://freegle.it/Central
(I have asked the owners to send you an invitation. This group generates a LOT of mail so you may wish to read online or get a digest)

I have enjoyed our training and hope that you feel comfortable asking me or any of our mod team anything at all, and asking for clarification as many times as necessary. We were all new not so very long ago.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team
XXX contact email address
contact number''

=Stage 4=

* Discuss individual future training requirements, agree a plan and a timescale for review

= Additional resources =

*It can be easier to train a mod on a larger, busier group than on a smaller group. Consider buddying up with larger neighbouring groups who could help to train mods from smaller groups
*Consider using a training group to post sample messages for a new mod to moderate, these should include messages that should be edited or rejected. Once confidence is gained the training group can be used for asking questions. This can also be done through the moderators group. The new mod can say when they feel confident enough to move to the “real” group. A training group can also be used to train a new mod in using the other functions of Modtools, home page editing and so-on.
*Give link to the Freegle Wiki - but reassure them that they don't have to read it all at once!
*invite to join regional mods group and central - perhaps not immediately, but once the mod has had some initial training and is still enthused. This reduces the sense of being overwhelmed and also helps to reduce the numbers of inactive members in these groups
*In some areas several groups train moderators together, perhaps with one mod training all new ones.
*The national Mentors Group are very happy to help with recruiting and training new moderators - just ask! (email mentors@ilovefreegle.org)
*You or you new moderator can join one or more [[Central Groups]] where you can access help.

=Sample demotion letter to unsuitable mod=

CC to:

* Group owner address
* Local modlist address
* Regional modsquad owner address
* Freegle Central owner address

Subject: Mod ---> member

''Hi XXX,

As I haven't heard from you on email or IM I have reverted your membership status back to member. This will mean that you'll need to unsubscribe from any mod group that you are in please.

Sorry it hasn't worked out, but thank you for your interest in Freegle. Your group membership will continue to operate exactly the same as before of course.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Mod Team

XXX Freegle Team

''

=Links:=

*[[ModTools]]
*[[Recruiting, Training and Retaining]]
*[[New Group Owner Training Step 1]]
*[https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/images/Training_manual_for_modtools_2020.pdf Mentors' Training Manual for Modtools] which can be used with cribsheets below
* 3 cribsheets used by Vee Martin, Mentor [[ModTools Functions]], [[Moderating a Post]] and [[Problematic Posts]]
*[[Admin]]
[[Category:Recruit/Train/Retain]]

Mod Training

2021-11-24T07:43:41Z

Derek Cole: /* Stage 4 */

= Moderator Recruitment =
For information on recruitment, please see [[Group Volunteer Recruiting]]

=Sample letter explaining modding style once new mod has been recruited=

''Hi XXX,

This is great news. I have upgraded your membership status to moderator. Thank you and welcome to the moderating team.

Before we speak to go through the practical duties of a mod, this email is to outline the modding style that we try to employ on XXX-Freegle. It is not exhaustive, but should give you an idea of where we are ‘coming from’ and how you’ll be able to fit in.

*We try to use a gentle touch when moderating members
*We remain calm, respectful, reasonable and democratic with the members, as well as with our own and our neighbouring mod teams
*Although the group does have rules, we are flexible (where appropriate) for everything other than the basic premise that everything must be free and legal - common sense prevails
*We never take advantage of our position as a mod and never respond to posts before they appear on the list. We strongly discourage members from using a first come first serve basis for choosing recipients and we take members off moderation as soon as possible
*We discuss with our fellow mods as necessary before dealing with questionable posts or member queries – there is no urgency and it is always better to check than act in haste
*We try to show consistency between mods
*We are always respectful to members – if we receive inflammatory replies we cool off and talk to fellow mods before responding
*We are supportive of other local groups, networks and mod teams
*We remember that the group belongs to the local community and not the mod team
*We seek advice from the mod groups as necessary
*We refer confidential/sensitive difficulties that we are unable to resolve to the nationally elected Freegle Committee.

I hope this is helpful. Please do not hesitate to ask if I can clarify anything about the role for you. I'll call you later today to arrange a mutually convenient time for us to proceed.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team

Contact number''

=Sample letter explaining preparation jobs prior to training=

''Hi XXX,

OK, before we meet up at XX PLACE on XX TIME/DAY, may I suggest 3 things for you to do first:

Please could you check that you are very familiar with the XXX Freegle group rules and other group admin material here:

<Include link to local group rules and files>

1: Please could you take a really good look around XXX Freegle group with the additional features that you can see as a mod.

2: Please explore everything, including the pending boxes, but hold off actually doing anything at all as yet. I suggest that we schedule an hour one evening in a couple of days time to do some actual modding together on the phone or in person – it is much easier to explain the role this way than by email.

3: Finally, please join us and say hi on our local moderators’ group. I have sent you an invitation. We are a friendly bunch and delighted you can join us. Reading back through the messages there will give you a good idea of what we do, as everything is archived there.

The role will become clear after a very short time. It is really worth investing the time initially to learn the role, and you’ll be able to moderate much faster and more confidently. Importantly, this preparation will enable you to really enjoy modding.

4. Will be for you to let me know when you feel ready to go through some modding on the phone or in person. Ideally we’ll need a day's notice; we can get the other mods to leave the pending messages alone for 6-8 hours for us to work on together. In the meantime, please contact me by email, phone or text with any questions.

One final thing to say...there is no such thing as a silly question, please feel comfortable asking anything at all, and asking for clarification as many times as necessary if I have not explained it coherently.

Welcome, and enjoy.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team

Contact number
''

=Ways to communicate the training to the new mod=

* Have a face-to-face meeting, get to know each other
* Spend time on the phone with a new mod, both of you looking at pending messages and talk through what to do with the messages. This could also be done by visiting your new mod at home, or meeting up somewhere public with a laptop and wi-fi. This can give more advice, discussion and instant feedback than a training group
* Consider communicating with each other via instant messaging, such as with Yahoo, Gmail or Skype to talk through pending messages. This can be useful as the mod can look back the message archive if they forget something
* Try to have an established mod available for contact by email or phone/text or IM
* Make contact with the new mod at least once a day until they find their feet

=Try to ensure clarity and consistency for mods=

* Figure out what your policies are* and make sure any new mods know what they are (it's also helpful to include them in your members handbook so all members and mods can refer to this) *ie: phone numbers, pets, number of wanteds per month xposting etc (link to advice doc)
* Help group consistency by providing them with template rejection emails

=Tips for new mods=

*It's not too hard
*It's not the end of the world if you make mistakes
*How to moderate pending messages using Modtools
*The most common posting errors
*Don't get carried away and start rejecting lots of things
*Remember that some people are much ruder by email than they are in person, so not to take it personally.
*Initially, leave all queries and difficult members to established moderators, but later have a go, and copy in the –owner, training group or moderators group.

=Suggested training stages=

Take your time and pace the training according to the individual. Allow the new mod to say when they are ready to move on to the next stage.

'''Stage 1'''
Suggestions for practical modding to be explained on the first session – ideally on the phone or in person after the pending box has been left to accumulate for 6-8 hours:

* Approving new members if group settings requires approval
* Identifying & approving an acceptable pending message
* How to return a message to its sender using a template rejection message
* When to edit a member’s post and what is not acceptable (e.g. correction of grammar etc)
* Which posts need to be be referred to the café group if there is one
* Ensuring that the mod is aware to refer non-local members to their nearest group where necessary to try on their most local group(s) at least 24 hours before trying this one. Explain that this practice is to show support to neighbouring groups, especially ones trying to establish themselves. This establishes expectations of a non-territorial/competitive attitude and strengthens relationships between groups

'''Stage 2'''
Suggested material to cover for Stage 2 – ideally on the phone or in person after an adequate amount of time practicing the skills learned in Stage 1:

* Assessing their retention and understanding of Stage 1 learning
* Responding to any queries which have arisen as a result of Stage 1 practice

Then covering:

* Checking that non moderated posts are within the rules and what to do if they aren’t
* Changing a member to group settings & explaining why never to use the unmoderated setting
* Putting members back on moderated – when and how
* Reminding to ask mod team as often as necessary

'''Stage 3'''

* Explaining anything else that comes up and going over anything previously covered as necessary
* Responding to –owner emails
* Group set-up/settings - what they are and why, e.g. New Members Moderated, group archive on view etc [need a link to recommended group set up with rationale here]
* Review of progress so far from both sides

=Joining wider mod groups=

=Sample letter suggesting new mod joins mods' groups=

''Hi XXX,

In order to helyou consolidate your training please join our regional and national moderators’ groups. You will be able to ask advice of fellow mods, search for answers to questions and generally learn the ropes more thoroughly:

*Freegle Central – for group volunteers throughout the UK: http://freegle.it/Central
(I have asked the owners to send you an invitation. This group generates a LOT of mail so you may wish to read online or get a digest)

I have enjoyed our training and hope that you feel comfortable asking me or any of our mod team anything at all, and asking for clarification as many times as necessary. We were all new not so very long ago.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team
XXX contact email address
contact number''

=Stage 4=

* Discuss individual future training requirements, agree a plan and a timescale for review

= Additional resources =

*It can be easier to train a mod on a larger, busier group than on a smaller group. Consider buddying up with larger neighbouring groups who could help to train mods from smaller groups
*Consider using a training group to post sample messages for a new mod to moderate, these should include messages that should be edited or rejected. Once confidence is gained the training group can be used for asking questions. This can also be done through the moderators group. The new mod can say when they feel confident enough to move to the “real” group. A training group can also be used to train a new mod in using the other functions of the plug-in, home page editing and so-on.
*Give link to the Freegle Wiki - but reassure them that they don't have to read it all at once!
*invite to join regional mods group and central - perhaps not immediately, but once the mod has had some initial training and is still enthused. This reduces the sense of being overwhelmed and also helps to reduce the numbers of inactive members in these groups
*In some areas several groups train moderators together, perhaps with one mod training all new ones.
*The national Mentors Group are very happy to help with recruiting and training new moderators - just ask! (email mentors@ilovefreegle.org)
*You or you new moderator can join one or more [[Central Groups]] where you can access help.

=Sample demotion letter to unsuitable mod=

CC to:

* Group owner address
* Local modlist address
* Regional modsquad owner address
* Freegle Central owner address

Subject: Mod ---> member

''Hi XXX,

As I haven't heard from you on email or IM I have reverted your membership status back to member. This will mean that you'll need to unsubscribe from any mod group that you are in please.

Sorry it hasn't worked out, but thank you for your interest in Freegle. Your group membership will continue to operate exactly the same as before of course.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Mod Team

XXX Freegle Team

''

=Links:=

*[[ModTools]]
*[[Recruiting, Training and Retaining]]
*[[New Group Owner Training Step 1]]
*[https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/images/Training_manual_for_modtools_2020.pdf Mentors' Training Manual for Modtools] which can be used with cribsheets below
* 3 cribsheets used by Vee Martin, Mentor [[ModTools Functions]], [[Moderating a Post]] and [[Problematic Posts]]
*[[Admin]]
[[Category:Recruit/Train/Retain]]

Mod Training

2021-11-24T07:43:10Z

Derek Cole: /* Sample letter suggesting new mod joins mods' groups */

= Moderator Recruitment =
For information on recruitment, please see [[Group Volunteer Recruiting]]

=Sample letter explaining modding style once new mod has been recruited=

''Hi XXX,

This is great news. I have upgraded your membership status to moderator. Thank you and welcome to the moderating team.

Before we speak to go through the practical duties of a mod, this email is to outline the modding style that we try to employ on XXX-Freegle. It is not exhaustive, but should give you an idea of where we are ‘coming from’ and how you’ll be able to fit in.

*We try to use a gentle touch when moderating members
*We remain calm, respectful, reasonable and democratic with the members, as well as with our own and our neighbouring mod teams
*Although the group does have rules, we are flexible (where appropriate) for everything other than the basic premise that everything must be free and legal - common sense prevails
*We never take advantage of our position as a mod and never respond to posts before they appear on the list. We strongly discourage members from using a first come first serve basis for choosing recipients and we take members off moderation as soon as possible
*We discuss with our fellow mods as necessary before dealing with questionable posts or member queries – there is no urgency and it is always better to check than act in haste
*We try to show consistency between mods
*We are always respectful to members – if we receive inflammatory replies we cool off and talk to fellow mods before responding
*We are supportive of other local groups, networks and mod teams
*We remember that the group belongs to the local community and not the mod team
*We seek advice from the mod groups as necessary
*We refer confidential/sensitive difficulties that we are unable to resolve to the nationally elected Freegle Committee.

I hope this is helpful. Please do not hesitate to ask if I can clarify anything about the role for you. I'll call you later today to arrange a mutually convenient time for us to proceed.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team

Contact number''

=Sample letter explaining preparation jobs prior to training=

''Hi XXX,

OK, before we meet up at XX PLACE on XX TIME/DAY, may I suggest 3 things for you to do first:

Please could you check that you are very familiar with the XXX Freegle group rules and other group admin material here:

<Include link to local group rules and files>

1: Please could you take a really good look around XXX Freegle group with the additional features that you can see as a mod.

2: Please explore everything, including the pending boxes, but hold off actually doing anything at all as yet. I suggest that we schedule an hour one evening in a couple of days time to do some actual modding together on the phone or in person – it is much easier to explain the role this way than by email.

3: Finally, please join us and say hi on our local moderators’ group. I have sent you an invitation. We are a friendly bunch and delighted you can join us. Reading back through the messages there will give you a good idea of what we do, as everything is archived there.

The role will become clear after a very short time. It is really worth investing the time initially to learn the role, and you’ll be able to moderate much faster and more confidently. Importantly, this preparation will enable you to really enjoy modding.

4. Will be for you to let me know when you feel ready to go through some modding on the phone or in person. Ideally we’ll need a day's notice; we can get the other mods to leave the pending messages alone for 6-8 hours for us to work on together. In the meantime, please contact me by email, phone or text with any questions.

One final thing to say...there is no such thing as a silly question, please feel comfortable asking anything at all, and asking for clarification as many times as necessary if I have not explained it coherently.

Welcome, and enjoy.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team

Contact number
''

=Ways to communicate the training to the new mod=

* Have a face-to-face meeting, get to know each other
* Spend time on the phone with a new mod, both of you looking at pending messages and talk through what to do with the messages. This could also be done by visiting your new mod at home, or meeting up somewhere public with a laptop and wi-fi. This can give more advice, discussion and instant feedback than a training group
* Consider communicating with each other via instant messaging, such as with Yahoo, Gmail or Skype to talk through pending messages. This can be useful as the mod can look back the message archive if they forget something
* Try to have an established mod available for contact by email or phone/text or IM
* Make contact with the new mod at least once a day until they find their feet

=Try to ensure clarity and consistency for mods=

* Figure out what your policies are* and make sure any new mods know what they are (it's also helpful to include them in your members handbook so all members and mods can refer to this) *ie: phone numbers, pets, number of wanteds per month xposting etc (link to advice doc)
* Help group consistency by providing them with template rejection emails

=Tips for new mods=

*It's not too hard
*It's not the end of the world if you make mistakes
*How to moderate pending messages using Modtools
*The most common posting errors
*Don't get carried away and start rejecting lots of things
*Remember that some people are much ruder by email than they are in person, so not to take it personally.
*Initially, leave all queries and difficult members to established moderators, but later have a go, and copy in the –owner, training group or moderators group.

=Suggested training stages=

Take your time and pace the training according to the individual. Allow the new mod to say when they are ready to move on to the next stage.

'''Stage 1'''
Suggestions for practical modding to be explained on the first session – ideally on the phone or in person after the pending box has been left to accumulate for 6-8 hours:

* Approving new members if group settings requires approval
* Identifying & approving an acceptable pending message
* How to return a message to its sender using a template rejection message
* When to edit a member’s post and what is not acceptable (e.g. correction of grammar etc)
* Which posts need to be be referred to the café group if there is one
* Ensuring that the mod is aware to refer non-local members to their nearest group where necessary to try on their most local group(s) at least 24 hours before trying this one. Explain that this practice is to show support to neighbouring groups, especially ones trying to establish themselves. This establishes expectations of a non-territorial/competitive attitude and strengthens relationships between groups

'''Stage 2'''
Suggested material to cover for Stage 2 – ideally on the phone or in person after an adequate amount of time practicing the skills learned in Stage 1:

* Assessing their retention and understanding of Stage 1 learning
* Responding to any queries which have arisen as a result of Stage 1 practice

Then covering:

* Checking that non moderated posts are within the rules and what to do if they aren’t
* Changing a member to group settings & explaining why never to use the unmoderated setting
* Putting members back on moderated – when and how
* Reminding to ask mod team as often as necessary

'''Stage 3'''

* Explaining anything else that comes up and going over anything previously covered as necessary
* Responding to –owner emails
* Group set-up/settings - what they are and why, e.g. New Members Moderated, group archive on view etc [need a link to recommended group set up with rationale here]
* Review of progress so far from both sides

=Joining wider mod groups=

=Sample letter suggesting new mod joins mods' groups=

''Hi XXX,

In order to helyou consolidate your training please join our regional and national moderators’ groups. You will be able to ask advice of fellow mods, search for answers to questions and generally learn the ropes more thoroughly:

*Freegle Central – for group volunteers throughout the UK: http://freegle.it/Central
(I have asked the owners to send you an invitation. This group generates a LOT of mail so you may wish to read online or get a digest)

I have enjoyed our training and hope that you feel comfortable asking me or any of our mod team anything at all, and asking for clarification as many times as necessary. We were all new not so very long ago.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team
XXX contact email address
contact number''

=Stage 4=

* Discuss individual future training requirements, agree a plan and a timescale for review

* Advanced plug-in features

= Additional resources =

*It can be easier to train a mod on a larger, busier group than on a smaller group. Consider buddying up with larger neighbouring groups who could help to train mods from smaller groups
*Consider using a training group to post sample messages for a new mod to moderate, these should include messages that should be edited or rejected. Once confidence is gained the training group can be used for asking questions. This can also be done through the moderators group. The new mod can say when they feel confident enough to move to the “real” group. A training group can also be used to train a new mod in using the other functions of the plug-in, home page editing and so-on.
*Give link to the Freegle Wiki - but reassure them that they don't have to read it all at once!
*invite to join regional mods group and central - perhaps not immediately, but once the mod has had some initial training and is still enthused. This reduces the sense of being overwhelmed and also helps to reduce the numbers of inactive members in these groups
*In some areas several groups train moderators together, perhaps with one mod training all new ones.
*The national Mentors Group are very happy to help with recruiting and training new moderators - just ask! (email mentors@ilovefreegle.org)
*You or you new moderator can join one or more [[Central Groups]] where you can access help.

=Sample demotion letter to unsuitable mod=

CC to:

* Group owner address
* Local modlist address
* Regional modsquad owner address
* Freegle Central owner address

Subject: Mod ---> member

''Hi XXX,

As I haven't heard from you on email or IM I have reverted your membership status back to member. This will mean that you'll need to unsubscribe from any mod group that you are in please.

Sorry it hasn't worked out, but thank you for your interest in Freegle. Your group membership will continue to operate exactly the same as before of course.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Mod Team

XXX Freegle Team

''

=Links:=

*[[ModTools]]
*[[Recruiting, Training and Retaining]]
*[[New Group Owner Training Step 1]]
*[https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/images/Training_manual_for_modtools_2020.pdf Mentors' Training Manual for Modtools] which can be used with cribsheets below
* 3 cribsheets used by Vee Martin, Mentor [[ModTools Functions]], [[Moderating a Post]] and [[Problematic Posts]]
*[[Admin]]
[[Category:Recruit/Train/Retain]]

Central Groups

2021-11-24T07:40:11Z

Derek Cole: /* Participating */

There are two general Central groups that all owners, moderators and volunteers of groups affiliated to Freegle are welcome and encouraged to join. [[Central Discussion and Working Group Membership Policy]] explains the criteria for membership of all the centralised Freegle groups.

All Central Groups (Central, Cafe and Working Groups) are looked after by the [[Discourse Support Team Remit|Discourse Support Team]]

== [[Freegle UK Central Group]] ==

This is your main group to ask for help and information from your fellow Freegle moderators. It is a '''strong''' recommendation that you and your co-moderators belong to Freegle Central.

:https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/

If anyone wants to raise a general comment or ask questions about the way Freegle is working, they can just post a message on the group!

== Freegle Cafe ==

Off topic group for all Freegle volunteers to chat, post jokes and ditties, and generally socialise.

:https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/

==Working Groups==

Members of Freegle UK Central can join [[Working Groups]] if you want to help mould the Freegle of the future! 

A summary of our central policies, procedures etc can be found in the [[:category:Policies, Procedures, Remits]]

==Participating==

New members of Freegle Central and Working Groups are encouraged to consider the following as a part of getting involved.

* Introducing yourself to the Group and sharing any relevant experience which you bring to the group. Of course, everyone is welcome in the Freegle Working Groups regardless of experience. 
* Familiarise yourself with how [[Working Groups]] operate. 
* Review any task list the group might have to see if there is anything which you would like to contribute, or anything active which you would like to take on. 
* And lastly, please engage in the discussions on the Group, contributing your thoughts to the collaborative process.

Participating in the Central and Working Groups can be a first step toward getting more involved with your Freegle organisation on a national level.

 '''Links''' to all the central groups of Freegle:

All the following central groups for Freegle can be found on https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/

*Freegle UK Central
*Freegle Cafe
*Freegle Development Working Group
*Freegle Tech Working Group
*Freegle Funding Group
*Freestock

Back to [[The Freegle Organisation]] [[Image:Freegle-heart.png|20px]]

[[Category:Central Groups]]

Central Groups

2021-11-24T07:39:11Z

Derek Cole: /* Freegle Rock Cafe */

There are two general Central groups that all owners, moderators and volunteers of groups affiliated to Freegle are welcome and encouraged to join. [[Central Discussion and Working Group Membership Policy]] explains the criteria for membership of all the centralised Freegle groups.

All Central Groups (Central, Cafe and Working Groups) are looked after by the [[Discourse Support Team Remit|Discourse Support Team]]

== [[Freegle UK Central Group]] ==

This is your main group to ask for help and information from your fellow Freegle moderators. It is a '''strong''' recommendation that you and your co-moderators belong to Freegle Central.

:https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/

If anyone wants to raise a general comment or ask questions about the way Freegle is working, they can just post a message on the group!

== Freegle Cafe ==

Off topic group for all Freegle volunteers to chat, post jokes and ditties, and generally socialise.

:https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/

==Working Groups==

Members of Freegle UK Central can join [[Working Groups]] if you want to help mould the Freegle of the future! 

A summary of our central policies, procedures etc can be found in the [[:category:Policies, Procedures, Remits]]

==Participating==

New members of Freegle Central and Working Groups are encouraged to consider the following as a part of getting involved.

* Introducing yourself to the Group and sharing any relevant experience which you bring to the group. Of course, everyone is welcome in the Freegle Working Groups regardless of experience. 
* Familiarise yourself with how [[Working Groups]] operate. 
* Review any task list the group might have to see if there is anything which you would like to contribute, or anything active which you would like to take on. 
* And lastly, please engage in the discussions on the Group, contributing your thoughts to the collaborative process.

Participating in the Central and Working Groups can be a first step toward getting more involved with your Freegle organisation on a national level.

 '''Links''' to all the central groups of Freegle:

All the following central groups for Freegle can be found on https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/

*Freegle UK Central
*Freegle Rock Cafe
*Freegle Development Working Group
*Freegle Tech Working Group
*Freegle Funding Group
*Freestock

Back to [[The Freegle Organisation]] [[Image:Freegle-heart.png|20px]]

[[Category:Central Groups]]

Mod Training

2021-11-24T07:38:24Z

Derek Cole: /* Sample demotion letter to unsuitable mod */

= Moderator Recruitment =
For information on recruitment, please see [[Group Volunteer Recruiting]]

=Sample letter explaining modding style once new mod has been recruited=

''Hi XXX,

This is great news. I have upgraded your membership status to moderator. Thank you and welcome to the moderating team.

Before we speak to go through the practical duties of a mod, this email is to outline the modding style that we try to employ on XXX-Freegle. It is not exhaustive, but should give you an idea of where we are ‘coming from’ and how you’ll be able to fit in.

*We try to use a gentle touch when moderating members
*We remain calm, respectful, reasonable and democratic with the members, as well as with our own and our neighbouring mod teams
*Although the group does have rules, we are flexible (where appropriate) for everything other than the basic premise that everything must be free and legal - common sense prevails
*We never take advantage of our position as a mod and never respond to posts before they appear on the list. We strongly discourage members from using a first come first serve basis for choosing recipients and we take members off moderation as soon as possible
*We discuss with our fellow mods as necessary before dealing with questionable posts or member queries – there is no urgency and it is always better to check than act in haste
*We try to show consistency between mods
*We are always respectful to members – if we receive inflammatory replies we cool off and talk to fellow mods before responding
*We are supportive of other local groups, networks and mod teams
*We remember that the group belongs to the local community and not the mod team
*We seek advice from the mod groups as necessary
*We refer confidential/sensitive difficulties that we are unable to resolve to the nationally elected Freegle Committee.

I hope this is helpful. Please do not hesitate to ask if I can clarify anything about the role for you. I'll call you later today to arrange a mutually convenient time for us to proceed.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team

Contact number''

=Sample letter explaining preparation jobs prior to training=

''Hi XXX,

OK, before we meet up at XX PLACE on XX TIME/DAY, may I suggest 3 things for you to do first:

Please could you check that you are very familiar with the XXX Freegle group rules and other group admin material here:

<Include link to local group rules and files>

1: Please could you take a really good look around XXX Freegle group with the additional features that you can see as a mod.

2: Please explore everything, including the pending boxes, but hold off actually doing anything at all as yet. I suggest that we schedule an hour one evening in a couple of days time to do some actual modding together on the phone or in person – it is much easier to explain the role this way than by email.

3: Finally, please join us and say hi on our local moderators’ group. I have sent you an invitation. We are a friendly bunch and delighted you can join us. Reading back through the messages there will give you a good idea of what we do, as everything is archived there.

The role will become clear after a very short time. It is really worth investing the time initially to learn the role, and you’ll be able to moderate much faster and more confidently. Importantly, this preparation will enable you to really enjoy modding.

4. Will be for you to let me know when you feel ready to go through some modding on the phone or in person. Ideally we’ll need a day's notice; we can get the other mods to leave the pending messages alone for 6-8 hours for us to work on together. In the meantime, please contact me by email, phone or text with any questions.

One final thing to say...there is no such thing as a silly question, please feel comfortable asking anything at all, and asking for clarification as many times as necessary if I have not explained it coherently.

Welcome, and enjoy.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team

Contact number
''

=Ways to communicate the training to the new mod=

* Have a face-to-face meeting, get to know each other
* Spend time on the phone with a new mod, both of you looking at pending messages and talk through what to do with the messages. This could also be done by visiting your new mod at home, or meeting up somewhere public with a laptop and wi-fi. This can give more advice, discussion and instant feedback than a training group
* Consider communicating with each other via instant messaging, such as with Yahoo, Gmail or Skype to talk through pending messages. This can be useful as the mod can look back the message archive if they forget something
* Try to have an established mod available for contact by email or phone/text or IM
* Make contact with the new mod at least once a day until they find their feet

=Try to ensure clarity and consistency for mods=

* Figure out what your policies are* and make sure any new mods know what they are (it's also helpful to include them in your members handbook so all members and mods can refer to this) *ie: phone numbers, pets, number of wanteds per month xposting etc (link to advice doc)
* Help group consistency by providing them with template rejection emails

=Tips for new mods=

*It's not too hard
*It's not the end of the world if you make mistakes
*How to moderate pending messages using Modtools
*The most common posting errors
*Don't get carried away and start rejecting lots of things
*Remember that some people are much ruder by email than they are in person, so not to take it personally.
*Initially, leave all queries and difficult members to established moderators, but later have a go, and copy in the –owner, training group or moderators group.

=Suggested training stages=

Take your time and pace the training according to the individual. Allow the new mod to say when they are ready to move on to the next stage.

'''Stage 1'''
Suggestions for practical modding to be explained on the first session – ideally on the phone or in person after the pending box has been left to accumulate for 6-8 hours:

* Approving new members if group settings requires approval
* Identifying & approving an acceptable pending message
* How to return a message to its sender using a template rejection message
* When to edit a member’s post and what is not acceptable (e.g. correction of grammar etc)
* Which posts need to be be referred to the café group if there is one
* Ensuring that the mod is aware to refer non-local members to their nearest group where necessary to try on their most local group(s) at least 24 hours before trying this one. Explain that this practice is to show support to neighbouring groups, especially ones trying to establish themselves. This establishes expectations of a non-territorial/competitive attitude and strengthens relationships between groups

'''Stage 2'''
Suggested material to cover for Stage 2 – ideally on the phone or in person after an adequate amount of time practicing the skills learned in Stage 1:

* Assessing their retention and understanding of Stage 1 learning
* Responding to any queries which have arisen as a result of Stage 1 practice

Then covering:

* Checking that non moderated posts are within the rules and what to do if they aren’t
* Changing a member to group settings & explaining why never to use the unmoderated setting
* Putting members back on moderated – when and how
* Reminding to ask mod team as often as necessary

'''Stage 3'''

* Explaining anything else that comes up and going over anything previously covered as necessary
* Responding to –owner emails
* Group set-up/settings - what they are and why, e.g. New Members Moderated, group archive on view etc [need a link to recommended group set up with rationale here]
* Review of progress so far from both sides

=Joining wider mod groups=

=Sample letter suggesting new mod joins mods' groups=

''Hi XXX,

In order to helyou consolidate your training please join our regional and national moderators’ groups. You will be able to ask advice of fellow mods, search for answers to questions and generally learn the ropes more thoroughly:

*XXX Region Freegle Mods' Group – for groups mods, owners and volunteers within the whole region: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/GROUP-NAME (I have asked the owners to send you an invitation)
*Freegle Central – for group volunteers throughout the UK: http://freegle.it/Central
(I have asked the owners to send you an invitation. This group generates a LOT of mail so you may wish to read online or get a digest)

I have enjoyed our training and hope that you feel comfortable asking me or any of our mod team anything at all, and asking for clarification as many times as necessary. We were all new not so very long ago.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Freegle Team
XXX contact email address
contact number''

=Stage 4=

* Discuss individual future training requirements, agree a plan and a timescale for review

* Advanced plug-in features

= Additional resources =

*It can be easier to train a mod on a larger, busier group than on a smaller group. Consider buddying up with larger neighbouring groups who could help to train mods from smaller groups
*Consider using a training group to post sample messages for a new mod to moderate, these should include messages that should be edited or rejected. Once confidence is gained the training group can be used for asking questions. This can also be done through the moderators group. The new mod can say when they feel confident enough to move to the “real” group. A training group can also be used to train a new mod in using the other functions of the plug-in, home page editing and so-on.
*Give link to the Freegle Wiki - but reassure them that they don't have to read it all at once!
*invite to join regional mods group and central - perhaps not immediately, but once the mod has had some initial training and is still enthused. This reduces the sense of being overwhelmed and also helps to reduce the numbers of inactive members in these groups
*In some areas several groups train moderators together, perhaps with one mod training all new ones.
*The national Mentors Group are very happy to help with recruiting and training new moderators - just ask! (email mentors@ilovefreegle.org)
*You or you new moderator can join one or more [[Central Groups]] where you can access help.

=Sample demotion letter to unsuitable mod=

CC to:

* Group owner address
* Local modlist address
* Regional modsquad owner address
* Freegle Central owner address

Subject: Mod ---> member

''Hi XXX,

As I haven't heard from you on email or IM I have reverted your membership status back to member. This will mean that you'll need to unsubscribe from any mod group that you are in please.

Sorry it hasn't worked out, but thank you for your interest in Freegle. Your group membership will continue to operate exactly the same as before of course.

With warmest wishes,

XXX Mod Team

XXX Freegle Team

''

=Links:=

*[[ModTools]]
*[[Recruiting, Training and Retaining]]
*[[New Group Owner Training Step 1]]
*[https://wiki.ilovefreegle.org/images/Training_manual_for_modtools_2020.pdf Mentors' Training Manual for Modtools] which can be used with cribsheets below
* 3 cribsheets used by Vee Martin, Mentor [[ModTools Functions]], [[Moderating a Post]] and [[Problematic Posts]]
*[[Admin]]
[[Category:Recruit/Train/Retain]]

New Group Owner Training Step 1

2021-11-23T12:20:36Z

Derek Cole:

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The words in blue are links so clicking on them will take you to pages in the Wiki that provide more information on each topic. To get back here click the back button on your browser.
==STEP ONE - WELCOME TO FREEGLE==
===HISTORY===
'''How Freecycling Began'''

Once upon a time (2003)........ a great idea was developed by Deron Beal: 'why not use the internet as a way of putting people in touch with others to give away items they don't want anymore instead of sending them to landfill. Yahoo! had a great free facility (Yahoo! Groups) which provided a platform for people to advertise stuff to give away. Freecycle was born, the first Group opened by Deron in Tucson, Arizona. Then the idea spread.
====What Happened Next====
Skip forward a few years and The Freecycle Network (TFN) has turned into a worldwide movement with thousands of volunteer run Groups and millions of members across the world. Freecycle is particularly successful in the UK. But there was a problem. In 2009 conflicts arose between UK Freecycle moderators and the US-based founders centered around the lack of freedom for UK Freecycle Groups to develop local initiatives as well as unhappiness with the way volunteers were treated. This culminated in the UK Director Neil Morris and at least 20 local Group owners and moderators being dismissed and replaced with US-based counterparts.
====Freegle is Born====
A huge number of emails and a remarkably short time later, Freegle was born in September 2009 and UK Freecycle Groups started to join our new network. After the experience of Freecycle, the volunteers who joined together to make Freegle were clear that the new network needed to be democratic, transparent and that Groups should retain their autonomy. Those principles are still a bedrock of Freegle, which developed a Constitution and now [[Rules]] and works collaboratively with all its Freegle Volunteers to provide support for the network of Groups.

====What is Freegle?====
Freegle is an umbrella organisation for lots of independent Groups. We continue to develop ourselves and all volunteers have equal opportunity to be members of the organisation. Although some volunteers are able to offer more time and different sets of skills to help make it all work, everyone is encouraged to pitch in and help make it happen.
(This is an edited version of the history of Freegle - Full version - [[Potted History]]

====How Do We Work Democratically?====
We elect up to 9 Freegle Directors. All Freegle volunteers who join Freegle Ltd as a Freegle Member are eligible to vote. Major changes to Freegle Policies, Procedures, Remits|policies are also agreed in this way. Day to day decisions on the running of Freegle are discussed in [[Working Groups]] Every volunteer who is a member of [[Freegle UK Central Group]] is eligible to join the [[Working Groups]] and we encourage you to join in.

===CONTACTING YOU===

The volunteers who run the Freegle Direct group have the joint email address in the form of:

anytownfreegle-volunteers@groups.ilovefreegle.org

This is the address that Freegle uses to contact you with information, eg internal newsletters, poll notifications or to pass on messages for your Group received by the various central Freegle mailbox teams.

Groups are [[Basic Requirements of a Freegle Group|asked]] that at least one moderator is a member of
[[Freegle UK Central Group]](on a minimum of Special Notices).

===FREEGLE DIRECT,TWITTER, FACEBOOK===
These are interconnected ways for members to join, view or post messages on your Group.

Members can post directly to Freegle Direct.
====Freegle Direct====
(Join, View and Post)

https://direct.ilovefreegle.org/main.php?action=look&Groupid=00

(the final two digits are the ID number allocated for your Group)

http://freegle.in/newGrouptown

(friendlier shortlink version of the url)

====Twitter====
(View and Share)

@freeglenewGrouptown

An extra way of viewing and sharing posts and also for tweeting about Freegle.
Message posts are republished to your Twitter account from Freegle Direct. There is also a link in each Twitter post which takes viewers back to Freegle Direct so that they can respond to the post.
====Facebook====

https://www.facebook.com/newGrouptown

This page gives extra publicity by automatically sharing daily publicity posts from the main Freegle Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/Freegle

to your page. You can also post publicity messages yourself from here and follow and share from other Facebook users.
===SETTINGS===
Although Mod Tools is the only place used to moderate your Group, each of the above Home Pages have settings which will have been configured for you in the way that most moderators find helpful. These settings can be changed by you as Group owner. As time goes on you may want to do this to suit the particular needs of your Group.

We recommend that you start by exploring the Mod Tools settings first as this will allow you to moderate effectively.
===SHORTLINK===
This is a [[shortlinks|shortened version]] of your Group url

http://freegle.in/newGrouptown

This is the link you will probably want to use to publicise your Group.
Your Group will have been set up so that clicking this link takes you to your Freegle Direct Home page.
There are links on this page to your Facebook Page.
===MODERATION===
When the Group is handed over to you it becomes your responsibility to run it.
You will have been assigned a [[New Group Support Procedures|Mentor]] to help support you but they will not run the Group for you unless you explicitly agree this with them.

Someone will need to moderate at least once a day, every day.
We recommend you recruit more mods eventually but if you find that you need help don't hesitate to ask. The [[New Group Support Procedures|Freegle Mentor Team]] will do their best to find someone for you or you can ask a neighbouring mod or on Freegle UK Central.
[mailto:mentors@ilovefreegle.org]

If you are a sole owner we strongly recommend that you give a trusted person owner status on your Group and give them the [mailto:mentors@ilovefreegle.org email address]. The co-owner does not have to actively be involved but just be able to send an email to Freegle if you are out of action.

===PUBLICISING YOUR NEW GROUP===
You will have a link to your Group from the main www.ilovefreegle.org Freegle website which will generate members but you really need to do some publicity too.

These are some ideas:
====Use the Group Yourself====
Make some Offers yourself. This shows people how the Group is used and starts things off nicely. Even just something like magazines or plant cuttings.
====Press Release====
Send a [[Getting Press Coverage|press release]] to local newspapers, TV and radio stations, your local council and local councillors.
====Links====
Place links for your Group on local and national websites that allow this. The more links you have the better your chances are of being near the top of searches.

[[Useful_Websites]]
====Use Social Media====
Research Facebook pages to Like. You can join other Freegle Group Facebook pages and the central page for ideas.

https://www.facebook.com/Freegle

You can do the same for Twitter follows. Follow @thisisfreegle and other Freegle Groups. Tweet or retweet about Freegle.
Use the #Freegle hashtag for easy retweets.
#FreegleHour - 1st Thursday of each month, 9pm-10pm. UK mods making lots of freegle chatter.
====Posters and Business Cards====
Put up Posters or ask others to do so.
Posters for your Group can be found here:

http://www.ilovefreegle.org/poster/index.html

Give out business cards - you should receive 100 free when you start your Group.
====Word of Mouth====
Tell your friends and encourage others to do the same.
===WHERE TO GET HELP===
====Mentor====
To begin with you may wish to contact your mentor or the team can be contacted at
[mailto:mentors@ilovefreegle.org]
for help.
====Central====
We request new owners to join
[[Freegle UK Central Group|Freegle UK Central]]. This is general forum for moderators. You may ask for help on here or simply read the messages to gain a feel for how we work. Other mods are usually very happy to share their experience and knowledge.
====Wiki====
The Freegle Wiki has a wealth of information and ideas.

Go to the home page of the Wiki to choose the direction you wish to search from or use the google search bar sor specific queries.There are 3 main areas:

Freegle Organisation - all our records and policies are here.

Publicity - lots of links and ideas

Running Your Local Group - advice from other mods on dealing with day to day issues that crop up.
===CONTACTS===
Some useful contact email addresses are here:
[[Contact_Details]]
===SOCIALISE WITH OTHER MODS===
====Discourse====
https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/
A general, friendly chat Group for anything and everything.
====Freestock====
The annual meet up of moderators, usually held in August.
More details [[Freestock|here]]

Good Luck with your new Group. We hope you find it worthwhile and enjoyable and that you will feel able to ask for help at any time if you need it.

Happy Freegling!

Link [[Mod Training]]

[[category:Recruit/Train/Retain]]