Phase 1: Program Assessment and Strategic Review
Comprehensive Program Evaluation
- Conduct a thorough review of your current volunteer program. Analyze recruitment strategies, retention rates, volunteer satisfaction, and the impact of volunteer contributions.
- Utilize surveys, focus groups, or individual interviews to gather feedback from current volunteers and staff.
Identify Areas for Growth and Improvement
- Based on your evaluation, pinpoint specific areas where your program can be strengthened or expanded.
- Consider opportunities to involve volunteers in new projects or at a higher level of responsibility.
Align with Evolving Organizational Needs
- Revisit your Main Street program's strategic goals. How can your volunteer program better support these evolving needs?
- Explore opportunities to create specialized volunteer teams or roles that address emerging priorities.
Review and Update Policies and Procedures
- Ensure your volunteer policies and procedures remain relevant, legally sound, and aligned with best practices.
- Consider developing more comprehensive guidelines for different volunteer roles or activities.
Key Considerations
- Data-Driven Decisions: Use data from your program evaluation to inform your strategic decisions for growth.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Explore opportunities to collaborate with other community organizations to expand your volunteer pool and resources.
- Sustainability Planning: Develop the strategies within this toolkit to ensure the long-term viability and success of your volunteer program.