Bored at work? Out of work with a dusty book? intern? Check out Catch A fire, where you can find charities and non-profits who need your help.

I really don't like Catch A Fire. Let me explain.

Pro-bono work has always been important to me. I even set aside a block of hours every year dedicated towards pro-bono accounts that meet my requirements: local well-respected organizations working on issues around poverty, social issues or environmental problems. When I do work for a pro-bono organization I make sure they understand the scope of the work, how much it would cost if it weren't donated and the requirements they must meet in order for me to do this project. That includes things like limiting revisions, who covers the cost of hosting, printing and related fees (them) and the level of involvement they're expected to maintain. Basically, I want them as invested in the success of the project as I am. It's even more important to do this with pro-bono projects because people don't take your hard work as seriously when they aren't paying for it.

As a designer, it's very important to me that I'm involved in the overall strategy of the project. If the goal is to bring in more donors, for example, then I want to help them pick the channels, mediums and deliverables that have the best chance to meet the goals. That isn't an option on Catch A Fire. There is a wall between you and the client and the client is already too far along in the process to really utilize you capabilities. They might think they need you to design a print booklet but after an involved conversation you might realize a YouTube video would push more people to donate than a booklet. With Catch A Fire, you don't really have the options to help with important decisions because it's all project based.

Lastly, it breaks the relationship. We've had a pro-bono relationship at my agency with an african non-profit for years now. Each year we help them with their latest campaign push and they know they can rely on us for advice and guidance with their marketing goals. With Catch A Fire, you don't have that relationship. The client has a relationship with Catch A Fire and you're just another faceless vendor. I don't like that at all.

/r/advertising Thread Link - catchafire.org