Details, Details, Details!

When it comes to planning projects, the more attention you pay to details, the more successful your Day of Caring projects are going to be and the more likely a volunteer will be to help you out in the future. Below are just a few suggestions and extra things to think about when planning.

1.

Are you short-staffed on DOC? Ask a board member to become involved as a Project Coordinator, and keep other qualified persons in mind if the assigned Project Coordinator cannot carry out their responsibility.

2.

Have alternate project options planned. If the project is weather dependent, have an indoor project that needs to be completed as well. If you end up having too many volunteers for one project or the project completion time is shorter than you had anticipated, have additional projects for the volunteers to work on. One of the worst scenarios on DOC is having volunteers standing around with nothing to do!

3.

Plan on an orientation period where staff members introduce themselves, give the volunteers a brief tour, and take pictures. Prepare nametags for your staff and volunteers or have the volunteers fill out blank nametags upon their arrival. This will be very helpful both to you and your staff as well as to the volunteers.

4.

Be prepared for media coverage by having photo release forms and/or waiver of liability forms available for volunteers and clients. Photo release forms will be particularly important for children and other agency clients.