Abstract

Gatherings of similar programs are opportunities to showcase best practices. This effective practice from the Catholic Network of Volunteer Service suggests creating "marketplaces" during peer exchange clinics, conferences, trainings, or other gatherings for programs to display their materials and share ideas.

Back to top

Issue

With so much to do, many in national and community service could benefit from the knowledge and wisdom of colleagues.

Back to top

Action

The marketplace use a peer exchange clinic or other gathering of similar programs as an opportunity to showcase effective practices. Ask all programs to bring examples of things their programs do well. These can range from a recruitment poster to an hours tracking sheet to business cards.

Set aside a marketplace area where each program is given space to display their materials.

Have small sign up sheets under each program's materials so that others may sign up to receive copies of materials they are interested in. Sign up sheets have been successful for several reasons, including:

• They prevent programs from hauling large quantities of materials to the sessions (and possibly back home again).

• They allow personal interaction between programs.

• They allow programs to send out materials in the most appropriate format (i.e. paper or electronic).

Set aside several times each day of the clinic for attendees to browse the marketplace. Without dedicated time for programs to study the materials, many of the great resources available will be overlooked.

In place of icebreakers at the beginning of workshop sessions, ask programs to give a one minute explanation of a tool they have brought. Market the marketplace before-hand to generate enthusiasm!

This is your chance to show off your program, so bring brochures, photos, news articles, handbooks, member orientation guides, and any materials that will further this goal. The idea is not only to let everyone else know about the great things you are doing, but to provide others with some of the resources you use everyday. If you've designed a great system for tracking hours, bring it! If you had a particularly effective meeting with your site supervisors, bring the agenda! If your school sends funding and other resources your way, share your secret! If you've discovered ways to partner with other organizations to offer your members incentives, come prepared to share!

Back to top

Context

The Catholic Network of Volunteer Service encourages sharing information throughout their Peer Exchange Clinic, but also sets up the marketplace to ensure dedicated time for this type of exchange.

Back to top

Posted On

February 5, 2001

Back to top

For More Information

Back to top

Related Practices

• Using Open Space Technology to enhance creativity at meetings and events
• Sharing resources between Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs

Back to top

• Login or register to post comments
• 
• Print-friendly page
• Send to friend