1. Enriched, Enlivened & Engaged: Creating Community Among Volunteers Tricia Brooks and Allison Runchey Minnesota Literacy Council November 4, 2011

2. Overview Elements of Community Reflection and Self-assessment Discussion

3. Overview What is “community”? What are the benefits of community? What happens when there isn’t a strong community?

4. Elements of Community From McMillian and Chavis (1986) Integration and Fulfillment of Needs Membership Shared Emotional Connection Influence

5. Membership Boundaries Emotional safety A sense of belonging and identification Personal investment A common symbol system

6. Membership Ideas - Welcome new members and creating a welcoming environment - Regular and ongoing communication (in person, newsletters, email, phone, mail)newsletters -Nametags -Using symbols and logos -Certificate and materials from training - T-shirts

7. Influence Members of a group are motivated to participate because they can influence the group. A group is cohesive because it has influence over its members.

8. Influence Ideas -Placement Decisions -Surveys/Evaluations -Sharing successes with group -Creating Structure -Providing leadership opportunities for experienced volunteers

9. Integration and Fulfillment of Needs Members are an integral part of the group and their motivations for volunteering are fulfilled. The tools and knowledge required to be effective.

10. Integration and Fulfillment of Needs Ideas - Tour and introductions - Placement based on their interests and goals - Sense of purpose or worth - Trainings - Recognition events and awards - Resources (library)library

11. Shared Emotional Connection “’It seems to be the definitive element for true community’” (McMillan & Chavis 1986) Members support each other and have a history of shared experiences or events.

12. Shared Emotional Connection Ideas Make a personal connection with each volunteer Movie nights and book discussions Require sustained commitment Training workshops Social Networking: Facebook, Ning, BlogFacebookNingBlog New idea

13. Reflection and Self-assessment

14. Strengths Challenges

15. Scenarios

16. Thoughts and Evaluations Tricia Brooks tbrooks@themlc.org Allison Runchey arunchey@themlc.orgtbrooks@themlc.orgarunchey@themlc.org