<p>I have to provide three references for a volunteer application. I already have three persons to use as a reference. I know it's common sense to let them know that you're using them as reference, but the problem is that I haven't kept in touch with them for two years. If I contact them all of a sudden only to let them know I'm using them as a reference, then I'm afraid it may seem to them that I'm just taking advantage of them, calling them only when I need them for selfish reasons. I may look like a selfish person. Will volunteer coordinators really phone your references? I know many don't, but I'm worried.
Ordinarily, do you need to always be keeping in touch with potential people who can be used as volunteer or job reference in the future, so that it is easier and less awkward to ask them about it when it comes time to use them as reference?
Thanks.</p>