Volunteer & Mutual Aid Coordination
Coordinator Role Reference (v1)

Purpose

This document defines the Coordinator role used in volunteer and mutual aid efforts.

The Coordinator role exists to organize information, not to direct people.

--------------------------------------------------

What a Coordinator Is

A Coordinator is a temporary, functional role that helps:

- Organize requests and information
- Share updates clearly
- Reduce confusion
- Support smooth coordination

The Coordinator does not hold authority over participants.

--------------------------------------------------

What a Coordinator Is Not

A Coordinator is not:

- A manager
- A supervisor
- A decision-maker for others
- An enforcer
- A permanent position

The role carries no special status.

--------------------------------------------------

Core Responsibilities

A Coordinator may:

- Collect and post help requests
- Maintain a coordination board
- Share status updates
- Clarify timelines or scope
- Initiate a pause if burnout or conflict appears

All actions are informational, not directive.

--------------------------------------------------

Limits of the Role

A Coordinator may not:

- Assign tasks to individuals
- Require participation
- Track hours or contributions
- Pressure people to help
- Override personal boundaries

Participation remains voluntary at all times.

--------------------------------------------------

Duration of the Role

The Coordinator role should:

- Be time-limited
- Rotate when possible
- End automatically when no longer needed

If a role continues indefinitely, it should be reconsidered.

--------------------------------------------------

Stepping Into the Role

Anyone may serve as a Coordinator if:

- They volunteer for the role
- The group is informed
- The role is clearly defined

No appointment or approval process is required unless a community chooses to add one.

--------------------------------------------------

Stepping Out of the Role

A Coordinator may step away at any time.

Recommended language:

“I’m stepping back from the coordinator role. Coordination may pause or transition as needed.”

No explanation is required.

--------------------------------------------------

Relationship to Other Tools

This role works alongside:

- Help Request Template
- Lightweight Coordination Board Guide
- Mediated Pause & Reset Notice
- Exit Without Blame Statement

--------------------------------------------------

Why This Role Exists

Coordination without clarity often leads to burnout or conflict.

This role exists to support clarity without creating authority.
