For volunteers, community organizations, and others, a one-day service project can be a fantastic and transforming experience—or it can fall well short of that goal. A lot has to do with the way the day is planned. Your job is to make it a positive experience for everyone. The following tips will help you succeed at that task, or you can click here for a handy step by step guide.
Set Realistic Goals
Volunteers and partners feel better about giving their time and resources when they see results. Remember, quality counts more than quantity: a small service project that gets things done is better than a poorly run, large-scale project.
Start Early
Make sure that you allow ample time to develop, organize and carry out your project. Come up with timelines and stick to them. Remember to take into account the breaks leading up to the King Holiday (Christmas, Ramadan, Hanukkah, New Year's), because people often are unavailable during those times. Make a checklist of everything you need to do.
Build Partnerships
A service project is a great way to introduce your organization and your mission to potential partners and sponsors. Schools, area businesses, congregations and local government agencies make natural partners. So do volunteer centers, national service programs and local service clubs. By joining with others, you'll increase the size and impact of your project.
Involve your Partners
Partners, sponsors and members of the community should be included in the planning and implementation of your project from the start. Don't just ask for their time, money or products--seek their input. Be sure to involve young people in this process. Make sure you clearly define responsibilities and roles. Spread the work—and the fun—among your partners.
Be Inclusive
King Day service projects are a great way to reach out across neighborhoods and socioeconomic divides. Try to involve everyone in the community—young and old, rich and poor, people of differing faiths, races, and ethnic origin. Invite young people to give back through service. Ask those in public housing and shelters to lend a hand in their own communities. Create opportunities for those who are often the recipients of service to be leaders in determining the best way to serve.
Actively Recruit Volunteers
Volunteers don't just show up—you need to put in the effort. Your partners are good sources of volunteers. So are local congregations, schools, businesses and community groups. Be sure to sign people up in advance and to keep in touch with them. The project/volunteer registry tool at my.MLKday.gov can help you recruit and communicate with volunteers.
Choose Projects Carefully
Try to accomplish something meaningful to the community. If your project is important to your community, potential partners, volunteers and sponsors will want to help. Try to tackle projects that would not get done without the added energy of volunteers. And, keep in mind the importance of tying your service to Dr. King's teachings.
Be Flexible
Choose a project that can easily be scaled up or down, depending on the number of volunteers you are able to attract. Have a contingency plan for a low volunteer turnout, and one for excess volunteers. And, keep in mind the importance of tying your project to Dr. King's teachings.
Anticipate Transportation Needs
Transportation can be a logistical challenge, especially if you have to shuttle volunteers between sites. The kind of transportation you use—buses, vans, carpools, public transportation—will depend on several factors, including your budget, the number of volunteers, and the distance they need to travel. Be sure to ask local churches or schools if they will lend you their vans or buses, which may not be in use on the holiday.
Reach Out to the Media
If you are planning a large project, advance coverage in local media outlets will draw attention to your event and attract additional volunteers. Media coverage the day of the event can heighten volunteer pride and ensure the success of future projects.
Let Us Know What You're Doing
Register your project at my.MLKday.gov. It helps us spread the word about your event and helps draw national attention to those who serve in honor of Dr. King's life and teachings.
|
