Appendix 8
From the CouchSurfing Wiki, an informal workspace which anyone can edit.
APPENDIX 8 : How to deal with CSers who have extended / mid length / short stays
Globetrotters, backpackers, just-signed up’s
One issue that arose while discussing the feasibility of a short or middle term Collective is efficiency and how to handle with attendants ‘turn-over’. As we stated it in this one document, we believe that to be truly efficient and get work done attendants should stay for at least one week in a whole and it should be avoided at a maximum to have people coming and leaving all the time.
Though, it is important that couchsurfers are not discouraged to come and stop by or simply join for diner and Wednesdays / Week Ends activities. It will then be essential that there is good communication about the CSC ‘timetable’ so people know at which times they are welcome to come and attend meet ups and at which times participants will be working and should be disturbed as little as possible. Every little input people can bring to the CSC IS important and we wish to brainstorm and find ways to get them a tiny bit involved. Still as an example there might not be enough room at a time to host everyone at the CSC itself so the Organization Team will most probably need to set priorities. 3 “categories” of Couchsurfer arose particular concern : globetrotters, backpackers and just signed’up’s. There is still no set line of conduct on how to deal with those and we are expecting feedback from other Collectives and from Couchsurfers themselves through discussions on the wiki before this gets set.
Reminder : a few definitions :
Globetrotters. Globetrotters are travellers who hop from one major city to the next, and stay only 2-3 days in each, just long enough to see the most popular sights.
Backpackers. How to handle the average young backpacker, that hops from one city to the next partying and limiting their exposure to CS. Should the CSC welcome them, or turn them away if they are just “looking for a place to stay”.
Just signed-up’s. How to handle someone who only signed up a few days before the CSC, because he/she needed a free place to stay and all the hostels are overbooked?
An explanation for people that only come for short stays… How can THEY volunteer and what responsabilities would they have?
Any document/communication about the EU CSC MUST state clearly that people are expected to come at least for a whole week (Sunday to Friday/Saturday) and to WORK (it’s no partying gathering!).
If some still wish to come for shorter periods of time (e.g. 2 to 3 days) there are welcome but need to be aware that CSC attendants WON’T be able to update them on all that is going on or give them anything to do but basic tasks i.e. cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc.
