Building Blocks for Effective Service Programs
Building Blocks refer to the 10 key components of well-managed and effective service and volunteer
programs. My Improvement Plan offers resources that can assist
programs in building capacity and enhancing quality. These resources come from
a variety of sources, including:
Board and Advisory Leadership
Boards and advisory councils or committees serve as impartial, objective
groups separate from the sponsor and/or project director; they contribute
crucial input to the operation of the program. An effective board or council
demonstrates knowledge, attitudes, and leadership abilities consistent with
proper governance of programs that engage volunteers and members.
Community Collaboration
Community collaboration is essential to building and sustaining high-quality
community service programs. Working hand-in-hand with local leaders, community
builders, and people in need, program members can initiate change on a large
scale. An effective program will benefit from a broad base of local support for
funding, expertise, in-kind donations, and resource and volunteer development.
Financial Management
Financial Management is fundamental to the administration of service
organizations. Adhering to proper principles and regulations is important
whether the grant source is government, foundation, or corporate. Sound
practices in this area help to build a relationship of trust with funders and
enhance the overall management process within your organization.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure consists of an organization’s resources, policies, and
practices. These include human resources, physical surroundings, and technology.
A sound infrastructure is critical for effectively supporting program work.
Marketing and Communications
A marketing strategy is necessary for a program to recruit volunteers, secure
partnerships, and raise money. Elements include communicating the organization's
mission and philosophy, the community need the organization is addressing, the
market being served, the impact on the community, and profiles of the people
being served. Knowing how to write press releases for events is another way to
promote programs by using the media wisely, as is learning how to identify
untapped opportunities to share the news about your program.
Organizational Culture
Volunteers or members are more likely to stay if the climate in which they
find themselves is supportive of their efforts. This won't happen without
proactive involvement on the part of program managers and staff. Assuring a
strong organizational culture involves developing and communicating the
organization's mission, policies, and procedures; embracing diversity; and
fostering good relations between employees, volunteers, and clients.
Program Accountability
Program accountability includes a wide range of issues related to a program’s
evaluation systems and practices, including performance measurement. Performance
measurement is the process of regularly measuring the outputs and outcomes
produced by a program. It allows programs to track both the amount of work done
and the impact of this work on program beneficiaries.
Service-Learning
An effective service-learning project provides a meaningful experience for
students, volunteers or national service participants; includes opportunities
for reflection on service; fosters positive attitudes about citizenship and
lifelong service; and improves the participant’s ability to plan service
projects that meet real community needs. Service-learning projects require
careful planning and collaboration to ensure that all partners work together
successfully to meet their goals.
Staffing and Development
Managing human resources appropriately is a key component of successful
programs. Planning quality training, giving meaningful feedback, and providing
volunteers, members, and staff opportunities to stretch their potential, learn
new skills, and develop leadership capabilities have a beneficial effect on the
entire organization.
Volunteer Management
Volunteers and members are vital components of effective service programs.
Many resources are available to help you recruit, train, manage, retain and
recognize your volunteers and members, so you don't have to reinvent the wheel!
|
