project planning - volunteer engagement
DESCRIPTION
Engaging volunteers effectively to create change requires organization and planning. This presentation provides tips and tools that can be used by organizations as they implement service projects whether a small, episodic project or a multi-event engaging hundreds of volunteers.TRANSCRIPT
PROJECT PLANNING
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5: Finalize the Plan
4: Secure Resources
3: Get Organized
2: Decide on a Project
1: Focus on Community
Developing Service Projects
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1: Focus on Your Community
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2: Narrow Your Focus
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Research the IssueStatistics BackgroundUnderlying causesProject ideasCommunity experts
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Develop PartnershipsReview potential project partners
MissionResources they offer partnersServices they offer to the community
Approach potential partnerDefine roles, outcomes and resources
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Conduct a Site VisitSearch for potential projectsInvolve key decision-makers and stakeholdersAnswer important questions about agency needs
and how the project will impact the community and the agency
Gather details about needs for potential projects, including special skills and materials
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Elements of a Successful ProjectThe project should. . .
Support our organization’s missionBuild upon positive relationships within the
community.Demonstrate a clear impact.Be volunteer-friendlyProvide volunteer leadership opportunitiesProvide volunteers with a sense of accomplishment
and positive involvement.
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DISCUSSION
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Project Ideas ActivityWhat are the needs in your community?
How might various organizations collaborate to maximize PR and community resources?
What grants and/or state and national resources are available?
What about corporate partnerships?
Decide on a ProjectDefine the scope make a decision based on the
following:Time EffortImpact Other Factors
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3. Be Organized—map your project
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Create a Task ListDetermine what you want to accomplishList assignments Decide number of volunteers needed for each
slotPrioritize goals (if necessary) according to
importance
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Create a BudgetOutline costs associated with all tasksKeep track of all donations:
MonetaryIn-kind servicesGoods—food, supplies, equipment
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Identify Resources
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VolunteersEstablish volunteer needsConsider variables:
Volunteer skill levelVolunteer ageDuration of projectAvailability of suppliesPhysical space available to perform the work
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Team Leader Programs
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Other Volunteer PositionsPerform tasks—raking, painting, sorting,
supervising children’s groups, etc.GreetersDistribute & manage suppliesPass out water, snacks, etc.Plan a kick off receptionServe as guides and runners Video or take picturesCapture volunteer quotesSafety Ambassador
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SuppliesDetermine what supplies, materials, goods and
services you needStrategize about types and amountsThink about partners and local groups/
businesses that can provide resources at no costNote supplies that will need to be purchased
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PLAN FOR. . . Orientation and Training
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Create TimelinesProject planningDay of project After project
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Plan for Reflection
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Plan for Evaluation Goal-based: Did you meet the goals of the
project?Process-based: Was the project planned,
managed and implemented effectively?Outcome-based: Did you achieve the objectives
of the project?
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4: Secure Resources
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Volunteer Recruitment
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Funding, Products and ServicesFaith groupsFoundationsNeighborhood associations and civic groupsNonprofitsBusinessesColleges and universities
Sororities & FraternitiesProfessional organizations
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Connections that CountStart with people you knowAsk people you know to engage their friendsTalk personally with people to “sell” your projectKnow what you need and ask people how they
can contributeDon’t be afraid to tap people’s emotionsTry creative outreach
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5: Finalize the Project Plan Address questions Finalize plans Meet with leaders Review the schedule Discuss documentation Confirm all supplies Provide food and drinks
Make any final calls Pack a project kit Check on trash containers Create a fun atmosphere Check, double-check and
triple-check!
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Communicating with VolunteersPre-register volunteersProvide important project details
Logistics such as date, time, address, public transportation and/or parking information
What to wear or not wearWhat to bring and what will be providedWhere to check-in at the projectPoint of contact
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SafetyReview project for possible hazardsConsider parking, access to water and restroomsProvide for accessibility issues.Know where emergency exits, first aid kits and
automated external defibrillators (AED’s) are located
Have a phone to call first responders if necessaryKeep contact information handy.
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Contingency PlanningThink through the worst-case scenarios of what
could go wrongCreate contingency plans for weather and other
potential problemsPrepare ways to expand or reduce project goals
due to number of volunteersKnow whom to contact in case of problems
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DISCUSSION
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Form small groupsReview the Program Planning “Fact Sheet” that has been provided.•Discuss past projects in which something went wrong. Which of the project planning steps were missed or otherwise apply to the situation?•Did you have a contingency plan and, if so, how did it work?•What could you do differently next time you face this problem?
Summary
Questions, Feedback
Please complete and return your evaluation form. Your input is appreciated.
Thank You for your participation
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