Dear “Meaningful Service" Colleague,

At the this year’s National Conference on Volunteering and Service, a VISTA member asked, “How can I provide something meaningful that will last beyond my term of service? Time is so short.” This issue of On-The-Go eTA gives you tips on working efficiently by identifying community assets and leaders. Then, based upon the service experience of you and volunteers, work together and write an action plan for next year. Click on the titles on the right to read about…

Map the Assets to Attain the Goals

Search for Leaders to Sustain the Project

Engage Volunteers to Draft Future Plan

For any questions or ideas about meaningful service, contact Campaign Consultation, Inc. through OntheGo@CampaignConsultation.com
for more information. You can still access previous issues of On-the-Go eTA by clicking on the back issues at the bottom of the page.

Map the Assets to
Attain the Goals

Search for Leaders to
Sustain the Project

Engage Volunteers to
Draft Future Plan

Engage leaders and volunteers early on in developing the project to help assure the work continues after you are gone. If they’ve been involved since the beginning, their buy-in will help to sustain the project as long as the response is required.

In addition, approximately two months prior to your service term ending, ask staff or volunteer project leaders to provide input in developing strategic actions for the next year. Here are some components to include ….

Project Overview A written description of the problem, the needed response and how the project is designed to fulfill that response. List the accomplishments and existing impact or the outcome being sought. Project Goals Work with volunteers to calibrate project goals and action steps within the mission and capacity of the organization for the next year. Budget Provide a budget that shows actual and next year’s projections and that detail sources of income and expenditures. Resource Development Under the project budget income section, indicate revenue generated from fees, annual fundraising campaign, events, proposals, etc. Develop background data with a written record of current and prospective donors’ giving histories, contact information and volunteer solicitors. Engage volunteers to update the monthly resource development action timeline that includes existing project communications, agency publications, events, stakeholder appeals, proposal due dates, etc. Detailed Project Action Timeline Using the estimated budget and next year’s resource development plan, craft a master planning calendar and timeline. Create a detailed list of all the things one will need to do to create a successful project initiative. Include major items to be completed each month; the steps or actions to be taken; who is responsible; the expected end dates and the status.

Click here for additional project planning and implementation tools used for planning the MLK Day of Service.

Let us know

Let us know about your experience in leaving a meaningful project ready for future impact. Contact OntheGo@CampaignConsultation.com We would be happy to answer questions or to give you more support.

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