Interest / participant / contributor / volunteer are different
Interest means someone expressed willingness. Participant means they took part in a defined activity. Contributor means evidence shows a contribution. Volunteer should only be used when the volunteer relationship, scope and consent are actually established. None automatically implies staff or partner.
Scope before work
Before a volunteer task, define purpose, deliverable, owner, expected time, access permissions, data exposure, safety, expenses/payment if any, confidentiality and how the relationship can end.
No hidden compensation or equity promise
Historical drafts mentioned badges, recognition, network access, priority, royalties, co-ownership or equity consideration. Those phrases cannot be treated as current promises without formal authority, terms, governance and evidence.
Sensitive/professional activities need stronger gates
A volunteer or contributor title does not authorize counseling, clinical care, legal advice, religious rulings, financial decisions, child safeguarding, emergency response or other professional activity. Qualified authority must be separately established.
Exit and correction matter
People should be able to stop participation. Access should be removed when the role ends. Public recognition should be corrected if status changes. Contribution evidence may remain preserved while current authority becomes inactive.
Reflection
Questions to sit with
- What exact relationship is actually established?
- What access would this person need, and what access do they not need?
- What happens when the contribution or volunteer period ends?