Quite frankly, we have been all over the map in assigning jobs to community media participants.

We entered this process some time ago with experience in professional media (assignment editor) and coordinating a journalism program. So we prepared detailed job descriptions for the volunteers.

But we soon found that people "ain't gonna" volunteer for community media unless it's fun - lots of fun in a social environment.

So, for a while, we went all the way to the other end of the spectrum and just let it happen.

But, of course, people appreciate a little bit of direction and a little bit of training

I think the key is flexibility, respect, sensitivity and - a sense of humour :)> But however you decide to work with your participants, remember peer teaching. We usually show one person how to use, say the mixer, and that person has the responsibility of showing the next person.

Sam's Guide to Community Radio (1994)

Advice from the Tuning in to Climate Change Final Report by Janet MacDonald (2003)