Pro Tips for Pro Bono | Nov 17, 2025

In this open discussion episode, host Kendall Hotchkiss leads a candid conversation about navigating challenging client relationships on pro bono projects!This episode covers:Pro bono work requires boundaries too: Even volunteer projects need contracts, timelines, and scope definitions to prevent scope creep and maintain professional relationshipsThe contract as your bouncer: Setting up agreements after a project starts is still valuable - frame it as helping everyone get organized rather than creating frictionDesign by committee challenges: When working with clients who have some technical knowledge but lack expertise, lead with questions about their goals rather than telling them what's wrongTime as leverage: When there's no payment involved, your availability and timeline become your primary negotiating tools for maintaining boundariesThe 50% rule for resistance: If clients consistently push back on expert recommendations, especially on accessibility standards, you may need to accept their limitations and focus energy elsewhereWalking away professionally: Always have a referral ready and offer project files when exiting a difficult engagement - how you leave matters as much as how you startClient communication strategies: Mirror client language back to them, keep emails brief with links to detailed notes, and break feedback into specific review rounds to manage expectationsUpcoming Events:Next week's guest: Haley Akins from Motion Hatch!Garlic Phone Game Night: December 3rdOpen call for volunteers: Monday Meeting is seeking hosts and behind-the-scenes help for 2026Visit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other conversations from the motion design community!SHOW NOTES:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MondayMeeting LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MondayMeeting Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MondayMeeting Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MondayMeeting Newsletter⁠